System, Apparatus, and Methodology for Peer-to-Peer Voice Communication Employing a Caller Specified Multimedia Announcement

ABSTRACT

A system, method and corresponding software application installed on communication devices of the system for communicating a media-based call alert command from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert command preferably conveys media content that is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Alternatively, the media-based call alert command need not convey the media content itself, but instead convey media identification information that identifies media content that is locally or remotely accessible by the called-party device for playback prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert command is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/745,134 filed on Apr. 19, 2006 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,974 filed on Aug. 11, 2006, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates broadly to communication systems. More particularly, this invention relates to communications systems that provide for peer-to-peer voice communication.

2. State of the Art

In modern communication systems, when a call is made to a called party, a ring tone is played at the called party's telephony device in order to announce the incoming call to the called party. In the case of a traditional wire line telephone, the ring tone is played in response to a 90-volt 20-hertz AC wave generated by the central office switch that is connected to the called party's telephony device. In the case of a wireless communication system, the ring tone is typically generated on the called party's mobile handset in response to a call connection request communicated thereto from a switching center or the like. Mobile handsets typically also allow for a vibrating alert to announce incoming calls. The vibrating alert is especially useful in noisy environments, in places where ring tone noise would be disturbing, and for the hearing impaired.

Newer wireless mobile handsets allow the user to select the ring tone from a collection of ring tones, and also to select a ring tone for each user listed in the handset's phonebook. When the handset receives a call connection request from a user listed in the handset's phonebook, the ring tone associated with the user is played to announce the incoming call. Newer mobile handsets can also use short pieces of music as ring tones, and the sale of these ring tones has become a major sector of the mobile music industry.

Early mobile handsets had the ability to play only monophonic ring tones, which are short tunes played with simple tones. These early phones also had the ability to have ring tones programmed into them using an internal ring tone composer. Various formats were developed to enable ring tones to be sent via SMS text, for example RTTTL encoding.

Modern mobile handsets are now able to play more complex polyphonic ring tones. Polyphonic means that multiple notes can be played at the same time using instrument sounds such as guitar, drums, electronic piano, etc. Polyphonic ring tones are typically pieces of recorded music or other sounds contained in a conventional audio file (e.g., AAC, MP3, WMA, WAV, QCP, or AMR format) and played by suitable software applications that execute on the mobile handset. Polyphonic ring tones can also be based upon midi sequences. Many polyphonic capable handsets are able to play standard midi files, others play sp-midi files. The sp-midi file encodes a scalable polyphonic ring tone. The number of available channels that can be concurrently played on the handset dictates the notes played by the handset in rendering the sp-midi file. More particularly, an older polyphonic capable handset may play 4 notes at once, while a newer handset may be capable of rendering 128 notes at once.

Ring tones have proven a popular method of personalizing mobile handsets. In response to this demand, wireless carriers and other content providers have developed businesses that generate significant revenue resulting from the distribution of ring tones to mobile handset users. However, personalization of the ring tones played on mobile handset is controlled exclusively by the user of the handset. This limits the amount of personalization that can be achieved as part of the voice call process and thus limits potential revenues that could be derived by additional personalization of the voice call process.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0026277 to Sutcliffe describes a system and method for “pushing” a caller-defined multimedia announcement or alert within the call set-up process. It is possible for the called party to hear or see the caller-defined multimedia announcement before answering the incoming call. The caller-defined multimedia content is transferred during call set-up and replaces standard ring tones on the recipient's mobile handset. This process allows for additional personalization of the voice call process. However, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0026277 fails to address many important issues that arise in this process, including but not limited to user control and management of the multimedia announcement communication process on a system wide basis and on a user by user basis, and access control over the multimedia content transferred to the recipient's mobile handset.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for methods, systems and services based thereon for peer-to-peer voice call communication that allow for additional personalization of the voice call process while also providing user control and management of the multimedia announcement communication process on a system wide basis and on a user by user basis, and access control over the multimedia content transferred to the recipient's mobile handset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system and methodology for peer-to-peer voice communication that allows for additional personalization of the voice call process.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system and methodology for peer-to-peer voice communication that allows for potential revenue growth from such additional personalization of the voice call process.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system and methodology that enriches the voice call process with customizable ring tones.

In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, a method, system and software application installed on communication devices of the system provides for communicating a media-based call alert command from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert command preferably conveys media content that is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Alternatively, the media-based call alert command need not convey the media content itself, but instead convey media identification information that identifies media content that is locally or remotely accessible by the called-party device for playback prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert command is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a query server is used to maintain presence data and permissions data for users of the service. The presence data provides an indication of the availability of users on a user-by-user basis and is dynamically updated. The permissions data is used to selectively initiate (or not initiate) communication of the media-based call alert command and is dynamically updated by users to provide users with the ability to selectively control the reception of such media-based call alert commands on a global basis as well as on a user-by-user basis.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the query server can be adapted to i) communicate the media-based call alert command to a secondary called-party device and/or ii) to enable the called-party to access the media content of the media-based call alert command for those instances where the called-party is not serviceable at the time of call initiation by the calling-party.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the media content included in (or referenced by) the media-based call alert command is protected by digital rights management (DRM) information to allow for controlled access and distribution of such media content as desired by content providers and users, when appropriate.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the communication of the media-based call alert command is part of multiple commands of a structured framework. The multiple commands include a command communicated to the called-party device, the command including information pertaining to the media content which is used by the called-party device to a make a determination whether or not the media content is consumable on the called-party device. A command indicating the results of such determination is return by the called-party device. These commands are communicated to and from the called-party device prior to sending the media content thereto.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a graphical user interface can be provided which uses a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device compatibility information, presence information, and permissions and status information associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the query server (or other central processing platform) can maintain (or interface to) a database of information pertaining to commercial media content items that can be communicated to a called-party device as part of the service. The commercial media content items can also be communicated to a calling party device. The information of the database identifies the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof). The database is accessed to enforce such territorial restrictions in conjunction with voice call communication on a call-by-call basis and/or in conjunction with user interaction following such voice call communication.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the system includes a platform for distributing advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items to the called-party device for display/play in a manner that accompanies the playback of the media content of the media-based call alert command.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system for peer-to-peer voice communications that employs communication of a media-based call alert command from a calling-subscriber device to a called-subscriber device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of exemplary functionality embodied by the network elements of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 9) in carrying out a voice call communication process in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface that is displayed on the terminal devices of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 9) for registering and subscribing to a communication service in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary buddy list interface that is displayed on the terminal devices of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 9) for communicating presence information and permissions associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention, and for invoking voice calls to such subscribers.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations carried out by the RP Voice Call Setup block of the application executing on the called-subscriber terminal of FIG. 2 (or FIG. 6A) in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of exemplary functionality embodied by the network elements of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 9) in carrying out a voice call communication process in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6B-6D are flow charts illustrating operations embodied by certain functions of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is pictorial illustration of an exemplary buddy list interface that is displayed on the terminal devices of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 9), which utilizes a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device compatibility information, presence information and permissions and status information associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a table illustrating an exemplary set of icons used in the buddy list interface of FIG. 7 to communicate device compatibility information associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a table illustrating an exemplary set of icons used in the buddy list interface of FIG. 7 to communicate presence information associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a table illustrating an exemplary set of icons used in the buddy list interface of FIG. 7 to communicate permissions and status information associated with subscribers of the communication service of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary communication system that includes a variety of different access networks (mobile, fixed and wireless access networks) and that supports peer-to-peer voice call communications which employ communication of a media-based call alert command from a calling-subscriber device to a called-subscriber device in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are functional block diagrams of subscriber terminal devices of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication system 1 that enables a ringtone or other media content to be specified by a calling-subscriber terminal device 3, and the specified media content (or a reference to such media content) included as part of a media-based call alert command communicated to a called-subscriber terminal device 5 over one or more communication networks 7. The media-based call alert command is communicated to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to establishing the voice call between the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5, in a manner which can vary dependent upon the equipment and communication protocols of the communication network(s) 7 and the subscriber terminal devices. In many instances, such call establishment involves provisioning the communication network(s) 7 to establish communication channels over the communication network(s) 7 that allow for duplex communication between the subscriber terminal devices. The media content included in (or referenced by) the media-based call alert command is played on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber terminal devices. The communication of the media-based call alert command is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service. The voice call between subscriber terminal devices 3, 5 can be carried over a suitable telephony connection (e.g., a wireless telephony connection and/or a “voice over IP” data connection). In addition, the voice call between subscriber terminal devices 3, 5 can be supplemented with ancillary data communication (e.g., video data for a video call, data exchange for whiteboarding, file sharing or other collaborative features).

The subscriber terminals 3, 5 can be any of a number of communication devices including cellular handset devices, personal digital assistants, personal computers, networked kiosks, VOIP phone, traditional phone connected to a VOIP gateway, and the like. FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, the architecture of an exemplary embodiment of the subscriber terminals, including a central processor unit 51 that is interfaced to memory 53 by interface logic 55. The memory 53, which is typically realized by persistent memory (such as one or more ROM memory modules and/or one or more flash memory modules) as well as non-persistent memory (such as one or more DRAM modules), stores an operating system and core applications 57 as well as an application 11, which is referred to below as the “media-based call alert application”. The central processor unit 51 also interfaces to a display device 61 (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel), a keypad or keyboard 63 and/or other user input device (e.g., a touch screen disposed on the display device 61), a microphone 65 for voice input, and a speaker 67 for voice/audio output. The central processor unit 51 interfaces to a communication subsystem 69 that provides for bidirectional communication with the communication network 7.

A query server 9 interfaces to the network 7. FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, the architecture of an exemplary embodiment of the query server 9, including a central processor unit 71 that is interfaced to memory 73 by interface logic 75. The memory 73, which is typically realized by persistent memory (such as one or more ROM memory modules and/or one or more flash memory modules) as well as non-persistent memory (such as one or more DRAM modules), stores an operating system 77 as well as application logic 13. The operating system 77 and application logic 13 are typically stored in a storage device, such as magnetic disk drive or disk array (not shown), and loaded into memory 73 as needed. The central processor unit 71 interfaces to a communication subsystem 79 that provides for bidirectional communication with the communication network 7.

The application logic 13 of the query server 9 maintains a database 15 that stores presence information, which provides communication states associated with the subscribers of the service. Such communication states are selected from a variety of states that indicate the availability of the corresponding subscriber to receive communication as part of the service. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the presence information represents at least an “opt-in” state (meaning that the subscriber is available for voice call communication initiated as part of the service) and an “opt-out” state (meaning the subscriber is not available for voice call communication initiated as part of the service). A subscriber updates his/her presence information by execution of the application 11 on a respective subscriber terminal device, which communicates with the query server 9 to update the presence information of the subscriber maintained therein. The database 15 also maintains device information for subscribers that defines various operating parameters of the communication terminal used by the subscribers, for example, the type of the communication terminal used by the subscriber (e.g., handset model and version of operating system), the home access network used by the subscriber, the compatibility of the communication terminal used by the subscriber, and status information regarding the installation and activation of the application 11 on the communication terminal of the subscriber.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the database 15 of the query server 9 also maintains a buddy list for each subscriber. The buddy list for a given subscriber is created by the given subscriber and identifies other subscribers of the service that are known by the given subscriber. The buddy list can possibly identify subscribers by their mobile identifier number, screen-name, email address, etc. The buddy list for a given subscriber also includes (or points to) permission data for each subscriber on the list. The permission data, which is set by the given subscriber, allows the given subscriber to selectively allow/prohibit the receipt of media-based call alert communications originating from other subscribers in the buddy list. If the called-subscriber terminal device 5 has registered the calling subscriber as permitted to communicate only “commercial” or so-called “pre-recorded” media content (like songs and video clips from record companies and film studios), then the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 will be notified accordingly via the icon associated with that called subscriber on the calling-subscriber terminal device's buddy list, and personally recorded voice or video call alerts will not be allowed to be communicated to that called subscriber (while commercial media content will be communicated thereto). The called subscriber may configure his or her device via a graphical user interface that a calling subscriber represented in his or her buddy list can only communicated commercial media content and, further, that the commercial media content carries a specific minimum content rating (e.g. All-Ages, PG13, R-Rated, X-Rated or Unrated) to block all non-compliant or potentially offensive media content from appearing on the called subscriber terminal device. The buddy list for a given subscriber also includes (or points to) status data that provides an indication whether the other subscribers in the buddy list are allowing or prohibiting (or status unknown) the receipt of media-based call alert communications originating from given subscriber. Preferably, the buddy list for a given subscriber is created by execution of the application 11 on a respective subscriber terminal device by the given subscriber and uploaded to the query server 9 for remote storage therein. The buddy list can be downloaded to the application 11 for access by the given subscriber as needed.

In alternate embodiments, the presence information can encompass other communication services (e.g., instant messaging communication services, VOIP communication services, etc) and represent various degrees of availability of the subscriber (e.g., Unavailable, Available-Desktop, Available-Mobile, Busy, Idle(Away)).

The presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof can be maintained in the central registry (or possibly in a distributed registry) and updated by communication between the subscriber terminals 3, 5 and the registry via a communication interface therebetween. In such embodiments, the presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof maintained in the registry can be communicated to the query server 9 via a communication interface therebetween.

In the preferred embodiment, the communication network(s) 7, the operating system 57 of the subscriber terminal devices and the operating system 77 of the query server 9 provide support for the TCP/IP networking protocol and the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in order set up communication sessions between either one of the subscriber terminal devices 3, 5 and the query server 9 and communication sessions between the subscriber terminal devices 3, 5. Once set up, the communication sessions employ Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) packets as the carrier of the information itself. Support for SIP in the communications network 7 requires proxy and registrar network elements (not shown) as is well known. Support for SIP by the subscriber terminals is realized by a SIP/TCPIP stack 59 included as part of the operating system as is well known. Support for SIP by the query server is realized by a SIP/TCPIP stack 81 included as part of the operating system as is well known.

The application 11 executing on the subscriber terminals and the application logic 13 of the query server 9 include software-based functionality for specifying media content included (or referenced by) a media-based call alert command, communicating the media-based call alert command from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to establishing the voice call therebetween, and for playing the media content included (or referenced by) the media-based call alert command on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of such voice call.

FIG. 2 illustrates software functionality of the application 11 executing on the subscriber terminals and the application logic 13 of the query server 9. The software functionality embodies a structured framework for communication of the media-based call alert command and carrying out a voice call communication process in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The structured framework includes commands that are communicated as part of messages between the elements of the system. The commands convey data as well as state information between the elements of the system. Note that for simplicity of description, the functionality of the application 11 for originating calls (i.e., calling-subscriber functionality) and for receiving calls (i.e., called-subscriber functionality) is shown and described separately with respect to the calling-subscriber terminal 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5. However, because such subscriber terminal devices can be used as both calling- and called-subscriber terminal devices, the application logic 11 stored and executed on each respective subscriber terminal device includes the collection (e.g., union) of functions separately described herein.

The Subscriber Terminal (ST) Set Status function 101 is executed on both the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5 during the media-based call alert communication process. It is responsible for updating the presence information (e.g., “opt-in”/“opt-out” status) of the particular subscriber that is executing the application 11 on the respective subscriber terminal device as well as the device data of the respective subscriber terminal device. The updated presence information and device data is carried as part of a “Set Status” command communicated from the respective subscriber terminal device to the query server 9. The Query Server (QS) Set Status function 103 on the query server 9 receives and parses the “Set Status” command, collects the updated presence information and device data from the received “Set Status” command, and updates the presence information and device data stored in the database 15 for the particular subscriber in accordance with the received updated presence information, if needed.

Preferably, the database 15 is initialized such that the presence information for the particular subscriber has a system-wide default value (e.g., “opt-out” status), and the initial execution of the application 11 by the particular subscriber invokes the ST Set Status function 101 to set the presence information for the particular subscriber in the database 15 to a subscriber-modifiable default state (e.g., “opt-in”). The presence information can then be updated by subscriber interaction with a graphical user interface presented to the particular subscriber, which again invokes the ST Set Status function 101 to update the presence information for the particular subscriber in the database 15.

The ST Get Status function 105 may be executed on both the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5 during the media-based call alert communication process. The ST Get Status function 105 cooperates with QS Get Status Function 107 on the query server 9 to synchronize the buddy list and associated permissions data, status data, and device data of the particular subscriber that is executing the application 11 on the respective subscriber terminal device. The updated buddy list and associated permission data is carried as part of a “Get Status” command communicated from the respective subscriber terminal device to the query server 9, which updates the database 15 accordingly. Updates to the status data associated with the buddy list are carried as part of an “Update Status” command communicated from the query server 9 to the respective subscriber terminal device, which updates the status data stored on the respective subscriber terminal device as needed. In the preferred embodiment, the ST Get Status function 105 is carried out by both the calling-subscriber terminal device and the called-subscriber terminal device on a predefined, periodic basis (e.g., every 300 seconds) so as to maintain the query server 9 with up-to-date permissions and status data for subscribers of the service. The period between the ST Get Status function calls can be configurable on each subscriber terminal device and/or by a parameter setting on the query server 9.

In alternate embodiments, presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof can be maintained in the central registry (or possibly in a distributed registry) and updated by communication between the subscriber terminals 3, 5 and the registry via a communication interface therebetween. In such embodiments, the presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof maintained in the registry can be communicated to the query server 9 via a communication interface therebetween.

A calling subscriber initiates the communication of a media-based call alert command to a called subscriber, which is typically accomplished by user interaction with a graphical user interface displayed by the application 11 on the display device 61 of the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. In response thereto, the Originating Party (OP) Initiate Media Package Transfer function 109 is executed on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. It communicates an “Initiate Media Package Transfer” command to the query server 9. The “Initiate Media Package Transfer” command identifies the called subscriber typically by the user name (e.g., screen name or email address assigned to the called subscriber) and can also identify the content type of the media-based call alert (e.g., a commercial audio alert-type, a commercial video alert-type, a recorded audio alert-type, a recorded video alert type, etc.). In response thereto, the QS Initiate Media Package Transfer function 111 executing on the query server 9 accesses the database 15 to retrieve the presence information and device data for the called subscriber. The query server 9 can also retrieve the permissions associated with the buddy list of the called subscriber. In distributed architectures, the query server 9 may be required to communicate with a central registry (or possibly a distributed registry) in order to retrieve the appropriate presence information, device data, buddy list, permissions data or parts thereof for the called subscriber.

The query server 9 then checks whether the presence information and/or the device data and/or the permissions data of the called subscriber indicates that the media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “allowed” or “blocked.” The serviceability status (i.e., “authorized” or “not-authorized”) for the media-based call alert communication is returned to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Such serviceability status is based upon the presence information and/or permission data and/or device data for the called subscriber (e.g., the serviceability status is “authorized” in the event that the presence information for the called-subscriber indicates the “opt-in” state, the permissions data for the called subscriber indicate that media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “allowed”, and the device data for the called subscriber indicates that the appropriate application is installed and activated on the called subscriber terminal device and thus communication of the media-based called alert communication should be possible; or the serviceability status is “not-authorized” in the event that the presence information for the called-subscriber indicates the “opt-out” state or the permissions data for the called subscriber indicate that media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “blocked”, or the device data for the called subscriber indicates that the appropriate application is not installed or not activated on the called subscriber terminal device and thus communication of the media-based called alert communication is not possible). As described herein, the permissions data for the called subscriber can pertain to all media-based call alerts originating from the calling subscriber; alternatively, the permissions data for the called subscriber can pertain to one or more particular content-types of the media-based call alerts originating from the calling subscriber as described herein. In the alternative case, the permissions data corresponding to the particular content-type of the media-based call alert specified by the calling subscriber is used to determine the serviceability status of the called subscriber.

The OP Initiate Media Package Transfer function 109 determines if the returned status indicates that the called subscriber is “serviceable”, and if so initiates the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 as described below. The transition from the OP Initiate Media Package Transfer function 109 to the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 is designated by arrow 112. If the returned status indicates that the called subscriber is “not serviceable”, the OP Initiate Media Package Transfer function 109 can display such status to the calling subscriber on the display device 61 and/or possibly raise other alerts on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3, and then end the processing of the media-based call alert communication to the called subscriber. It is also possible for the presence information and/or the device data and/or the permissions data of the called subscriber to be returned from the query server 9 to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and used by the called-subscriber terminal device 3 to determine the serviceability status of the calling subscriber in a manner similar that described above for the query server 9.

Note that in response to the “Initiate Media Package Transfer” command, the QS Initiate Media Transfer function 111 may initiate an Accounting Function (not shown) that performs the following tasks: (i) creating a transaction/call record for reporting purposes and billing purposes, if necessary, and/or (ii) validating that the calling subscriber and the called subscriber can be correctly billed for the media-based call alert communication of the present invention, if necessary.

The OP Transfer Media function 113 is executed on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. It communicates a “Transfer Media Request” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The “Transfer Media Request” command preferably includes the following: (i) a file name and possibly corresponding file type of one or more media files that make up the media-based call alert, (ii) the size of these media file(s), and (iii) digital rights management (DRM) information for the media file(s). Such DRM information preferably includes:

-   -   permissions/entitlements that designate consumption rights or         restrictions imposed on these media file(s), and     -   URLs (or IP addresses) for one or more servers for obtaining         keys for decrypting the media file(s) that make up the         media-based call alert and for obtaining the requisite         permissions/entitlements.         The permissions/entitlements that can be used to designate         consumption rights or restrictions imposed on the media file(s)         of the media-based alert preferably include the following:     -   Play, No Save (the called-subscriber terminal device can play         the media content, but cannot save the media content locally.         Ephemeral copy only);     -   Play, Save, Unlimited Use, No Forward (the called-subscriber         terminal device can play the media content for an unlimited         number of times, and can use media for intended utility (e.g.         media-based call alert), but cannot forward or copy the media         content off of the called-subscriber terminal device);     -   Play x times, Save, Unlimited Use, No Forward (similar to Play,         Save, Unlimited Use, No Forward, but the called-subscriber         terminal device can only play the media content x number of         times, then the media content is permanently deleted from         device);     -   Play until dd-mm-yyyy, Save, Unlimited Use, No Forward [similar         to Play, Save, Unlimited Use, No Forward, but the media content         is permanently deleted from device after dd-mm-yyyy);     -   any of the above with Limited Use (the media content can only be         used for specific use, e.g., media-based call alert);     -   any of above with pass along/forward rights (the media content         can be passed to another device in a super distribution scheme;         note that the actual media is not transferred—what is sent to         recipient device is an invitation to download appropriate         entitlement and media.

The consumption rights or restrictions can also allow the media content to be played only in a specific sequence of actions by the calling subscriber or calling subscriber, or only in a specific sequence of plays of other media content items, or only in a predetermined combination of both. For example, such consumption rights can dictate that:

-   -   the called subscriber must watch an advertisement before or         after the media content plays;     -   the called subscriber must respond to an advertisement that         plays before or after the media content plays;     -   the media content embodied in the media-based call alert may         itself be an advertisement that requires a response from the         calling subscriber or the called subscriber, or both, in order         for another event (like another part of the media content to         play, or to open a media-sharing data connection between         devices) to take place;     -   the called subscriber must “unpause” a incoming “paused” call;     -   the called subscriber must retrieve a multimedia announcement         that is stored on the device or on the server as a result of         encountering that the called subscriber terminal device is in         “silent mode” at the time of the incoming call;     -   the device must be within a certain proximity or range of a         local network before the media content will play (it could         contain an audio, rf or light signal sequence that can unlock an         atm, door or website, as an example).

The RP Transfer Media Package function 115 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 processes the “Transfer Media Request” command to determine if the media file(s) identified therein can be received and processed by the called-subscriber terminal device 5, and returns the “Ack Transfer Media Request” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. The “Ack Transfer Media Request” command preferably includes the following: (i) a preferred format for the media file(s), (ii) available memory on the called-subscriber terminal device 5, and (iii) acknowledgement of ability to comply with the DRM restrictions imposed on the media file(s).

Upon receipt of the “Ack Transfer Media Request” command, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 validates the information supplied therein for compliance. Such validation preferably confirms that the called-subscriber terminal device 5 can accept and consume the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert as intended and in the format provided by the calling-subscriber terminal device 5. If such validation is successful, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 initiates communication of the “Send Media Packet” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The “Send Media Packet” command preferably includes the following: (i) the media file(s) that make-up the media-based call alert in encrypted form, (ii) meta-data relevant to these media file(s) (e.g., name, creator(s), performer(s) etc.), and (iii) DRM information for the media file(s) as described above. Upon receipt of the “Send Media Packet” command, the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command that is returned back to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Upon receipt of this acknowledge command, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 is placed into a wait state pending receipt of the “Media Received” command to be issued by the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 as described below.

In the event that the validation of the “Ack Transfer Media Request” command fails, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 can display such status to the calling subscriber on the display device 61 and/or possibly raise other alerts on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3, and then end the processing of the media-based call alert communication to the called subscriber.

If the processing of the “Ack Transfer Media Request” command indicates that the called-subscriber terminal device 3 requires the media-based caller alert in a different format, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 can initiate the “Send Media Packet To” command to the query server 9. The “Send Media Packet To” command preferably includes the following information: (i) the address of the called-subscriber terminal device 5, (ii) optionally, details about the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert, (iii) optionally, the media file(s), (iii) the required format for the media file(s) as requested by the called subscriber in the “Ack Transfer Media Request” command, and (iv) DRM information for the media file(s) as described above. Upon successful receipt of the “Send Media Packet To” command, QS Transfer Media Package function 117 executing on the query server 9 sends a corresponding acknowledge command directed back to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Upon receipt of this acknowledge command, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 is placed into a wait state pending receipt of the “Media Received” command to be issued by the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 as described below.

The QS Transfer Media Package function 117 operates to either (i) transcode the media file(s) received from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 into the suitable format as identified by the calling-subscriber device 3 in the “Send Media Packet To” command or (ii) acquire a new copy of the media file(s) in the suitable format. The new copy can be acquired from a media store maintained by the query server 9 or a media store operably coupled thereto. Upon generating (or acquiring) the media file(s) in the suitable format, the QS Transfer Media Package function 117 initiates the communication of the “Send Media Packet” command (which is described above in detail) to the called subscriber terminal device 5. Upon receipt of the “Send Media Packet” command, the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command directed back to the query server 9, thereby indicating successful delivery of the “Send Media Packet” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 3.

After issuing the acknowledge command in response to successful delivery of a “Send Media Command” communicated by the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 or by the query server 9, the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 issues a “Get Media Entitlement” command to the query server 9. The QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 119 executing on the query server 9 receives the “Get Media Entitlement” command and obtains the necessary decryption key(s) and DRM license data (collectively media file entitlement data) associated with the media file(s) of the media-based call alert. Such media file entitlement data can be stored locally on the query server 9 or obtained from another server operably coupled thereto. Upon acquisition of the necessary media file entitlement data, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 119 forwards the media file entitlement data to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “Send Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto. Alternatively, the Media File Entitlement Processing function 119 can be carried out as part of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to interact with the appropriate servers to acquire the necessary media file entitlement data for the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert.

The RP Transfer Media Package function 115 receives the “Send Media Entitlement” command and the media file entitlement data included therein. Upon receiving the “Send Media Entitlement” command, the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 initiates communication of a “Media Received” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. As described above, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 is placed into a wait state for receipt of the “Media Received” command. Upon receipt of this “Media Received” command, the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command that is directed back to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 and then initiates the OP Voice Call Setup function 121. The transition from the OP Transfer Media Package function 113 to the OP Voice Call Setup function 121 is designated by arrow 122.

Upon receiving the acknowledge signal that is returned from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 indicating receipt of the “Media Received” command, the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 initiates the RP Voice Call Setup function 123. The transition from the RP Transfer Media Package function 115 to the RP Voice Call Setup function 123 is designated by arrow 124.

The OP Voice Call Setup function 121 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 in order to provision a voice call to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 using available network resources. Such functionality may tear down the SIP session between the calling and called-subscriber terminal devices 3, 5 before provisioning the voice call. Such provisioning is preferably realized by passing a phone number (or other identifier) of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 via an application programming interface. In the preferred embodiment, the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 is realized as part of the operating system 57 of the subscriber terminal and embodies the necessary functionality in provisioning the voice call between the calling subscriber terminal 3 and the called subscriber terminal device 5. The voice call can be accomplished over a cellular network, a data packet network (e.g., VOIP call over the Internet), or other suitable communication network.

The RP Voice Call Setup function 123 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 such that called-subscriber terminal device 5 is placed in “incoming call wait mode”. In this mode, the processing of all incoming voice calls is diverted to the RP Voice Call Setup function 123. More particularly, the ST Voice Call Processing Logic 60 passes caller identifier information for each incoming call to the RP Voice Call Setup Function 123. The RP Voice Call Setup function 123 validates this caller identifier information against caller identifier information that it has stored for the calling subscriber. If the caller identifier information for the incoming call does not match the stored caller identifier information, the RP Voice Call Setup function 123 releases the call such that the call is handled by the ST Voice Call Processing Logic 60. If the caller identifier information for the incoming call does match the stored caller identifier information, the RP Voice Call Setup function 123 bypasses the traditional incoming call processing and preferably invokes the appropriate DRM client on the called subscriber terminal 5 to use the decryption key of the media file entitlement data (which is sent as part of the “Send Media Entitlement” command as described above) to decrypt the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert. The DRM client passes the media file(s) in decrypted form or encrypted form as appropriate to the media player (which is typically stored as part of the core applications and operating system 57 of the called-subscriber terminal device 3). In this manner, the media player executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert as received by the RP Transfer Media Package function as described above. The DRM client cooperates with the media player to conform to the consumption restrictions (e.g., execute and not save) imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data associated therewith. An example of such processing is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 5.

The RP Voice Call Setup function 123 also invokes a graphical user interface that allows the called subscriber to select one of various actions with respect to the incoming call (Answer, Decline, Forward, etc). User selection of a given action causes the RP Voice Call Setup function 123 to cooperate with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 to carry out the desired action (e.g., answer the call, decline the answering of the call, forward the call to another number). In this manner, the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert is played on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber terminal devices 3, 5. The playing of the media-based call alert is an announcement of the incoming voice call initiated by the calling subscriber.

In the preferred embodiment, the application 11 may be discovered and installed onto a subscriber terminal device in one of four ways:

-   -   i) a user discovers the application while browsing through the         application icons, or through the pre-installed applications, on         his or her device's menu. Alternatively, the user many discover         additional menu item(s) relating the application when using the         contact list (or phone book) application on the device. In this         configuration, first-time execution of the application 11 or the         applicable menu item will trigger the initialization (set up)         process as described below.     -   ii) user discovers the application 11 displayed on a Web site, a         Wap site, or other mechanism for public distribution therefrom;         promoted in text or instant message or on a client application;         promoted on an traditional-media advertisement (print, TV or         radio); or promoted on a remote vending terminal (e.g. a WiFi or         Bluetooth kiosk). The user orders the application 11, which         results in the application 11 being downloaded onto the user's         device where it will automatically install and attempt to         commence the initialization (set up) process, as described         below.     -   iii) the application 11 is promoted by a subscriber who wants to         use the application 11 to place a call to the user; for example,         the user may receive a textual message (via SMS, instant message         or a pop-up in a client application) saying “<Calling Party's         number> is trying to connect with you with a ‘Push Ringer Media         Call.’ To accept please download (free) and install the ‘Push         Ringer Media Call’ application—Accept/Decline”. Acceptance by         the user results in the application 11 being downloaded onto the         user's device where it will automatically install and attempt to         commence the initialization (set up) process, as described         below. During this process the calling subscriber preferably is         displayed a message providing an indication that the user has         accepted an invitation to download and install the application         11 and to stand-by for connection.     -   iv) a user whose device does have the application 11         pre-installed (or otherwise installed) but has not been         initialized (set up), is a recipient of an attempted media-based         call alert communication. The application 11 when installed but         not initialized will be configured to listen for “Transfer Media         Request” commands. Upon receipt of a “Transfer Media Request         command, the application 11 displays a graphical user interface         that notifies the user of the incoming media-based call alert         communication and that provides various user-selectable actions         (e.g., a graphical pop-up saying “<Calling Party's number> is         trying to connect with you with a ‘Push Ringer Media Call’ and         offering the following icons: {Play}, {Decline} or {More}). If         the appropriate user-selected action (e.g., {Play}) is selected,         the application 11 carries out the required media-based call         alert communication processing (e.g., “Ack Transfer Media         Request” command, “Send Media Packet” command, “Get/Send Media         Entitlement” commands, “Media Received” command as described         above) that communicates the pushed media content to the         called-subscriber terminal 5 and plays the pushed media content         on the called-subscriber terminal 5 prior to (or concurrent         with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber         terminal devices 3,5. If the user declines acceptance of the         media-based call alert communication (e.g., selects {Decline}),         any download or initialization of the application 11 or delivery         of Transfer Media Request command will be terminated, if needed,         and the calling subscriber will be prompted with an appropriate         display prompt that indicates that media-based call alert         communication has been declined and that allows for the user to         make a regular voice call to the called subscriber. In this         scenario, the called subscriber, who declined, is preferably         sent an SMS message explaining the service and how to download         the application 11 for future use. If the calling subscriber         attempts to initiate media-based call alert communications to a         party who does not have a compatible device, the calling         subscriber can be prompted with a display indicating that such         media-based call alert communication is not possible and that         allows for the user to make a regular voice call to the called         subscriber.

In the preferred embodiment, there are two different types of media-based call alert communications: “My Ring”-type pushed media communications and “Record Ringer”-type pushed media communications. The “My Ring”-type pushed media communication employs a media file whose content (e.g., audio or video content) is available from a generally-available public source. The “Record Ringer”-type push media communication employs a media file whose content (e.g., audio or video content) is generated or available from a private source, such as from media content stored on/generated by a particular subscriber terminal. In this preferred embodiment, upon installation of the application 11, the application 11 is enabled to only receive “My Ring”-type or “Record Ringer”-type pushed media communications. The user must first register to become a subscriber to be able to make/originate My Ring”-type or “Record Ringer”-type pushed media communications. This can be accomplished in the exemplary architecture of FIG. 2 (or the exemplary architecture of FIG. 6A) by initially disabling the calling subscriber functionality show therein and described above, and enabling such calling subscriber functionality upon registration. Once registered, the user will immediately be able to select any of the audio, graphical or video files on his or her device for use as media content in originating “My Ring”-type pushed media communications. An exemplary display window for registering and subscribing to a media-based call alert communication service as described herein is shown in FIG. 3.

As described above, the application 11 executing on a subscriber terminal device maintains a buddy list graphical user interface, which allows the subscriber to see presence information associated with other known subscribers, to manage who can make media calls to the subscriber (e.g., selectively block or enable media-based call alert communications from other known subscribers), and to see whether or not the subscriber is blocked or enabled from making media-based call alert communications to other known subscribers. The buddy list can also provide an indication if other known users (who may or may not be subscribers) have a compatible device for receiving media-based call alert communications.

An exemplary buddy list graphical user interface is shown in FIG. 4. Each buddy in the list is displayed in the first column and can be a subscriber or a non-subscriber to the service. Names (or other identifiers) can be added, renamed or removed from the buddy list. Preferably, the buddy list is initially populated with all names in a phone book or other data structure maintained by the operating system and core applications 57 of the device. Note that the buddy list may be stored off-device by the service provider.

The second column of the buddy list of FIG. 4 provides the presence information for each buddy. More particularly, if the user has an “opt-in” status, “Yes” is displayed for that buddy in the second column of the buddy list. If the user has an “opt-out” status, “No” is displayed for that buddy in the second column of the buddy list.

The third column of the buddy list of FIG. 4 allows the subscriber to selectively enable or block the receipt of media-based call alert communications for each respective buddy on the list. When a subscriber selects “Yes” for the third column entry for a given buddy, media-based call alert communications from the given buddy are received. Conversely, when a subscriber selects “No” for the third column entry for the given buddy, media-based call alert communications from the given buddy are blocked.

The fourth column of the buddy list of FIG. 4 provides indications whether or not the subscriber is blocked or enabled from making media-based call alert communications to buddies on the list. A “Red (No)” indicator in the fourth column entry corresponding to a given buddy represents that the subscriber is blocked from making media-based call alert communications to the given buddy. A “Green/(Yes)” indicator in the fourth column entry corresponding to a given buddy represents that the subscriber is allowed to make media-based call alert communications to the given buddy. An “Unknown/<Check?>” indicator in the fourth column entry corresponding to a given buddy represents that it is unknown whether the subscriber is allowed to make media-based call alert communications to the given buddy. Note that the subscriber can selecting <Check?>, which initiates a media-based call alert communication to the Buddy with the intention of both technically probing the capability of that Buddy's device and requesting permission to make media-based call alert communications to that Buddy's device.

Note that the “Advanced” option is only available to subscribers and allows for more detailed control over permissions, such as what kinds of media calls the subscriber will accept from Buddies (e.g., Accept All (default), Decline All Record Rings, Decline All My Rings). The subscriber can also set usage rights for his or her outgoing media-based call alert communications. For example, for “Record Ring”-type pushed media communication, such permissions can selectively allow/block the buddy from saving the recorded media content and/or can selectively allow/block the buddy from forwarding the recorded media content.

In the preferred embodiment, the application 11 provides a graphical user interface that makes the initiation of media-based call alert communications as easy as making a regular phone call. The first step is to click on a name/number to call from the Phone Book or the Buddy List, which results in an extended option menu being displayed that allows for user selection of a “Normal Call”<default> and a media-based call alert communication (e.g., “My Ring”-type or “Record Ringer”-type pushed media communication).

If the “Normal Call” selection is made, a regular call is made to the user/buddy's phone will ring with the ringtone played in accordance with the voice call processing functionality of the user's/buddy's phone.

If the “My Ring”-type selection is made, the user interacts with a graphical user interface to select media content (audio file or video file) from the media store on the subscriber's device. Preferably, the graphical user interface presents the user with selection options including “Same”, “New” (default) or “Search”. The result of each selection is as follows:

The “New” display pops up a browser set to the media directory(ies) on the subscriber's device and with which the subscriber may browse to any particular file in his or her media directory; with the selection of each title an option to “Preview” and “Use” will appear. If the desired media content cannot be found, the browser will offer the option to “Search” a content storefront for other media content that can be purchased and used. As soon as “Use” is selected for media content, the selected media content is integrated as part of the “My-Ring”-type pushed media communication as described above.

The “Same” display selects the media content that the calling subscriber had selected before for this particular Buddy; if no prior selection was made, the “Same” selection will operate the same as “New”. The selected media content is integrated as part of the “My-Ring”-type pushed media communications as described above.

The “Search” display pops up an integrated content storefront offering a list of the “Top 10 Choices” (displayed from local data while the application connects in the background to a fully searchable list of titles). The 11th choice on the “Top 10 Choices” list is “Top Categories” the selection of which offers five top sub-categories of media content, including “Top Songs”, “Top Seasonal”, “Top Greetings”, “Top Film/TV” and “Top Humor” sub-categories each of which displays ten titles; with each title is the option to “Preview”, the purchase price and “Buy”. As soon as media content is purchased (selects “Buy”), “Buy for Me” or “Buy for Buddy (Gift)” options pop up. If “Buy for Me” is selected, the title is downloaded to the subscriber's device, and the selected media content is integrated as part of the “My-Ring”-type pushed media communications as described above. From then on, until a different title is selected for making media-based call alert communications to that Buddy, that title will appear as the “Same” title selection when the subscriber calls the same Buddy or number. If “Buy for Buddy (Gift)” is selected, the selected media content is integrated as part of the “My-Ring”-type pushed media communications as described above. Note that during and after the particular media-based call alert communication, the called subscriber is preferably offered the option to “Save (Gift)” the content title.

If the “Record Ringer”-type selection is made, the graphical user interface is updated to prompt the user to select a recording mode (e.g., “Record Audio” mode, “Record Video” mode, possibly “Record Streaming Audio” mode, and possibly “Record Streaming Video” mode). Each selection will open up a recorder screen and begin recording the selected source while displaying {Stop} and {Quit} buttons.

In the “Record Audio” mode, recording commences immediately using the device's microphone, displaying two new options on the calling subscriber's device —{Stop} and {Quit}. An additional option button will allow the subscriber to take a picture, or select one from the photo library on his or her device, for display on the called subscriber's device while the audio recording plays. In the “Record Video” mode, recording commences immediately using the device's video camera, displaying two new options on the calling subscriber's device —{Stop} and {Quit}. Recordings are limited to a maximum period of time, e.g., 15 seconds. After the recording is complete, the application 11 will offer the option to “Review” or “Use” (“Use” is the default).

“Review” will offer you the option to “Record Again” or “Use” (“Use” is the default). When you select “Use”, the recorded media content is integrated as part of the “Record Ringer”-type pushed media communications as described above.

In the preferred embodiment, any telephony device can experience an incoming call mediated by the media-based call alert application as described herein, provided that the device has compatible equipment, the application has been downloaded and installed, and media-based call alert communications have not been blocked by the calling subscriber. Once a media-based call alert communication has been initiated from the calling subscriber's side, the calling subscriber will listen on the line until the called subscriber has made one of several possible responses to the media-based call alert communication based on the called subscriber's equipment capabilities and preferences. On the calling subscriber, all incoming media-based call alerts will play once through and will then loop until the called subscriber responds (e.g., Accept, Decline) or the call is transferred to voicemail. The media-based call alerts are programmed to play (immediately or after being paused or snoozed) on the called subscriber's device only once and self-delete, except in the case where a “Record Ringer”-type announcement is saved for later review.

On the called subscriber side, while the incoming media-based call alert is playing, the graphical user interface presented to the called subscriber will preferably display the following options for response: {Accept}, {Hold}, {Snooze} {Decline} and {Block}. Each of these options triggers a further action, as follows.

The {Accept} option accepts the voice call (e.g., answers the phone) and pops up {Disconnect}, {Forward} and {Block} options for the in-call phase.

The {Hold} option pauses the playback of the incoming media-based call alert and pops up {Unhold/Resume}, {Accept}, {Disconnect} and {Block} on the display window of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 and preferably notifies the calling subscriber on his or her display that the call request is on hold.

The {Snooze} option declines the call and the connection and connects the calling subscriber and the called subscriber five, ten or fifteen minutes later (as determined by the setting on the called subscriber's application) and notifies the calling subscriber on his or her display device that the call will be reconnected in five, ten or fifteen minutes.

The {Decline} option declines the call with no explanation to the calling subscriber.

The {Block} option declines the call and updates the permissions on the called subscriber's device such that the calling subscriber is blocked from making media-based call alert communications to the called subscriber. The called subscriber can re-enable the calling subscriber's permission at any time by management of the buddy list as described above.

In certain situations, {Other} may appear as an additional option to offer the user additional responses, including transmitting the other party one of a selection of “canned” textual messages (e.g., “Can't Talk Now”) that will appear on the display screen of the recipient's device.

At the termination of each media-based call alert mediated call, the called subscriber is preferably presented with a graphical user interface that enables the called subscriber to buy, save and/or forward the media content communicated thereto as the media-based call alert. More particularly, the graphical user interface preferably displays a {Save/Buy} option, a {Save/Gift} option, a {Save} option, and a {Forward} option.

The {Save/Buy} option allows the called subscriber to buy and save the media content presented by the calling subscriber for the called subscriber to keep and use in accordance with the DRM license data associated therewith. In this way so-called viral or pass-along marketing of media content is built into the service where applicable, and calling subscribers may be rewarded for content sales resulting from called subscriber purchases with loyalty points that can be redeemed against future media call purchases or services or premium access to other device-based services.

The {Save/Gift} option allows the called subscriber to save the media content presented by the calling subscriber for the called subscriber to keep and use in accordance with the DRM license data associated therewith in the event that it has been gifted by the calling subscriber (or possibly gifted by a marketing service that gifts media content to select subscribers).

The {Save} option applies to “Recorded-Ring”-type pushed media communications and allows the called subscriber to save the media content of the media-based call alert in the event that the calling subscriber has set “Save” rights for this called subscriber to allow for saving the calling subscriber's recordings.

The {Forward} option applies to “Recorded-Ring”-type pushed media communications and allows the called subscriber to forward the media content of the media-based call alert depending on the intent of the calling subscriber and the associated DRM rights and permissions programmed into the underlying media content.

On the calling subscriber side, once the media-based call alert communication has been initiated, all status and progress information generated and/or captured by the query server 9 may be communicated to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 where a user interface on the display screen of that device can indicate applicable status or progress information and optionally provide instances of response or interactivity to the status or progress information.

For example, in a case wherein the called subscriber {Decline} the attempted media-based call alert communication, the calling subscriber may be offered a pop-up button on the user Interface to allow him or her to save the media announcement on the network for later re-use or to re-try the media-based call alert communication with a {Urgent} notice.

In another example, in a case wherein the called subscriber places the incoming media-based call alert communication on {Hold}, the calling subscriber may be offered a pop-up button on the user interface to indicate to him or her that the called subscriber has the media-based call alert communication on a temporary hold, or to allow the calling subscriber to change media-based call alert communication to a {Snooze} connection attempt that will be automatically re-attempted by the query server 9 at a later time (e.g., 2, 5, 10 or 15 minutes later).

In yet another example, in a case wherein the called subscriber has set up a particular image, sound or video clip in a “ringback tone” type of configuration, the calling subscriber may be displayed that particular image, sound or video clip on the user interface while the calling subscriber is waiting for the called subscriber to respond to the incoming media-based call alert communication. The communication of the ‘ringback tone’ between the called subscriber terminal and the calling subscriber terminal may also carry data that represents one or more interactive messages or elements (e.g., “is this call important? (Yes/No)”) that is displayed on the user interface of the calling subscriber terminal. Such data can be communicated from the called subscriber terminal to the calling subscriber terminal at the option of the called subscriber via user interaction in conjunction with the incoming media-based call alert communication (or possibly by setting parameters associated with incoming media-based call alert communications for all users and/or for individual subscribers on the buddy list of the called subscriber). The calling subscriber can respond to the interactive message (“Yes”—the call is important) and the response communicated from the calling subscriber terminal to the called subscriber terminal, where it is displayed to the called subscriber. The called subscriber can then use the calling subscriber's response in deciding the called subscriber's response (e.g., {Accept}, {Hold}, {Snooze} {Decline} and {Block}) for the incoming media-based call alert communication as described above.

In other example, other types of progress reporting and interactive options for the calling subscriber may be offered that are peculiar to the kind of media-based call alert communication that is made.

FIG. 6A illustrates an alternative embodiment of software functionality of the application 11 executing on the subscriber terminal devices and the application logic 13 of the query server 9. The software functionality embodies a structured framework for communication of the media-based call alert command and carrying out a voice call communication process in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The structured framework includes commands that are communicated as part of messages between the elements of the system. The commands convey data as well as state information between the elements of the system. Note that for simplicity of description, the functionality of the application 11 for originating calls (i.e., calling-subscriber functionality) and for receiving calls (i.e., called-subscriber functionality) is shown and described separately with respect to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5. However, because such subscriber terminal devices can be used as both calling- and called-subscriber terminal devices, the application logic 11 stored and executed on each respective subscriber terminal device includes the collection (e.g., union) of functions separately described herein.

The application 11 executing on both the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5 each maintain a common library of media content items stored thereon (e.g., in persistent memory) with identifiers assigned thereto. The calling subscriber can specify one of the media content items of the library as the media content of a media-based call alert. The identifier assigned to the specified media content item is communicated by the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “local-ID” type Media Request command prior to establishing the voice call between the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The called-subscriber terminal device utilizes the identifier of the “local-ID” type Media Request command to access the corresponding media content item stored locally in its library of media content items, and then plays the corresponding media content item on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber terminal devices as described below in more detail.

The query server 9 can maintain a library 816 of media content items with URL identifiers assigned thereto. Alternatively, the library 816 can be realized by one or more remote content sources and/or can interface to one or more remote content sources for distributed management of such media content. The calling subscriber can specify one of the media content items of the library 816 as the media content of a media-based call alert. The URL identifier assigned to the specified media content item is communicated by the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “remote-URL” type Media Request command prior to establishing the voice call between the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The called-subscriber terminal device 5 utilizes the media content referenced by the URL identifier of the “remote-URL” type request to access the corresponding media content item stored remotely in the library 816, and then plays the corresponding media content item on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber terminal devices as described below in more detail.

The calling-subscriber terminal device 3 can store locally one or more media content items. The calling subscriber can specify one of the locally stored media content items as the media content of a media-based call alert. The specified media content is communicated by the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “Peer-to-Peer” type Media Request command prior to establishing the voice call between the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the media content communicated by the “P-P” type request prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call between the subscriber terminal devices as described below in more detail.

The Subscriber Terminal (ST) Set Status function 801 is executed on both the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5 during the media-based call alert communication process. It is responsible for updating the presence information (e.g., “opt-in”/“opt-out” status) of the particular subscriber that is executing the application 11 on the respective subscriber terminal device as well as the device data of the respective subscriber terminal device. The updated presence information and device data is carried as part of a “Set Status” command communicated from the respective subscriber terminal device to the query server 9. The Query Server (QS) Set Status function 803 on the query server 9 receives and parses the “Set Status” command, collects the updated presence information and device data from the received “Set Status” command, and updates the presence information and device data stored in the database 15 for the particular subscriber in accordance with the received updated presence information, if needed.

Preferably, the database 15 is initialized such that the presence information for the particular subscriber has a system-wide default value (e.g., “opt-out” status), and the initial execution of the application 11 by the particular subscriber invokes the ST Set Status function 801 to set the presence information for the particular subscriber in the database 15 to a subscriber-modifiable default state (e.g., “opt-in”). The presence information can then be updated by subscriber interaction with a graphical user interface presented to the particular subscriber, which again invokes the ST Set Status function 801 to update the presence information for the particular subscriber in the database 15.

The ST Get Status function 805 may be executed on both the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and the called-subscriber terminal device 5 during the media-based call alert communication process. The ST Get Status function 805 cooperates with QS Get Status Function 807 on the query server 9 to synchronize the buddy list and associated permissions data and status data of the particular subscriber that is executing the application 11 on the respective subscriber terminal device. The updated buddy list and associated permission data is carried as part of a “Get Status” command communicated from the respective subscriber terminal device to the query server 9, which updates the database 15 accordingly. Updates to the status data associated with the buddy list are carried as part of an “Update Status” command communicated from the query server 9 to the respective subscriber terminal device, which updates the status data stored on the respective subscriber terminal device as needed. In the preferred embodiment, the ST Get Status function 805 is carried out by both the calling-subscriber terminal device and the called-subscriber terminal device on a predefined, periodic basis (e.g., every 300 seconds) so as to maintain the query server 9 with up-to-date permissions and status data for subscribers of the service. The period between the ST Get Status function calls can be configurable on each subscriber terminal device and/or by a parameter setting on the query server 9.

In alternate embodiments, presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof can be maintained in the central registry (or possibly in a distributed registry) and updated by communication between the subscriber terminals 3, 5 and the registry via a communication interface therebetween. In such embodiments, the presence information, buddy lists, permission data, device data or parts thereof maintained in the registry can be communicated to the query server 9 via a communication interface therebetween.

A calling subscriber initiates the communication of a media-based call alert to a called subscriber, which is typically accomplished by user interaction with a graphical user interface displayed by the application 11 on the display device 61 of the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. As described above, the media content of the media-based call alert can selected from a common library of media content items (i.e., a “Local-ID”-type media-based call alert), from a remote library of media content items (i.e., a “Remote-ID”-type media-based call alert, or from a locally stored media content item (i.e., a “Peer-to-Peer”-type media-based call alert).

In response thereto, the Originating Party (OP) Initiate Media Call function 809 is executed on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. It communicates an “Initiate Media Call” command to the query server 9. The “Initiate Media Call” command identifies the called subscriber typically by the user name (e.g., screen name or email address assigned to the called subscriber) and can also identify the content type of the media-based call alert (e.g., a commercial audio alert-type, a commercial video alert-type, a recorded audio alert-type, a recorded video alert type, etc.). In response thereto, the QS Initiate Media Call function 811 executing on the query server 9 accesses the database 15 to retrieve the presence information and device data for the called subscriber. The query server 9 can also retrieve the permissions associated with the buddy list of the called subscriber. In distributed architectures, the query server 9 may be required to communicate with a central registry (or possibly a distributed registry) in order to retrieve the appropriate presence information, buddy list, permissions data, device data or parts thereof for the called subscriber.

The query server 9 then checks whether the presence information and/or the device data and/or the permissions data of the called subscriber indicates that the media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “allowed” or “blocked.” The serviceability status (i.e., “authorized” or “not-authorized”) for the media-based call alert communication is returned to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Such serviceability status is based upon the presence information and/or permission data and/or device data for the called subscriber (e.g., the serviceability status is “authorized” in the event that the presence information for the called-subscriber indicates the “opt-in” state, the permissions data for the called subscriber indicate that media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “allowed”, and the device data for the called subscriber indicates that the appropriate application is installed and activated on the called subscriber terminal device and thus communication of the media-based called alert communication should be possible; or the serviceability status is “not-authorized” in the event that the presence information for the called-subscriber indicates the “opt-out” state or the permissions data for the called subscriber indicate that media-based call alert communication originating from the calling subscriber should be “blocked”, or the device data for the called subscriber indicates that the appropriate application is not installed or not activated on the called subscriber terminal device and thus communication of the media-based called alert communication is not possible). As described herein, the permissions data for the called subscriber can pertain to all media-based call alerts originating from the calling subscriber; alternatively, the permissions data for the called subscriber can pertain to one or more particular content-types of the media-based call alerts originating from the calling subscriber as described herein. In the alternative case, the permissions data corresponding to the particular content-type of the media-based call alert specified by the calling subscriber is used to determine the serviceability status of the called subscriber.

The OP Initiate Media Call function 809 determines if the returned status indicates that the called subscriber is “serviceable”, and if so initiates the OP Transfer Media function 813 as described below. The transition from the OP Initiate Media Call function 809 to the OP Transfer Media function 813 is designated by arrow 812. If the returned status indicates that the called subscriber is “not serviceable”, the OP Initiate Media Call function 809 can display such status to the calling subscriber on the display device 61 and/or possibly raise other alerts on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3, and then end the processing of the media-based call alert communication to the called subscriber. It is also possible for the presence information and/or the device data and/or the permissions data of the called subscriber to be returned from the query server 9 to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 and used by the called-subscriber terminal device 3 to determine the serviceability status of the calling subscriber in a manner similar that described above for the query server 9.

Note that in response to the “Initiate Media Call” command, the QS Initiate Media Call function 811 may initiate an Accounting Function (not shown) that performs the following tasks: (i) creating a transaction/call record for reporting purposes, and/or (ii) validating that the calling subscriber and the called subscriber can be correctly billed for the media-based call alert communication of the present invention, if necessary.

The OP Transfer Media function 813 is executed on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. As shown in FIG. 6B, the function 813 communicates a “Media Request” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The “Media Request” command preferably can have one of three types corresponding to the different call alert types as described above (e.g., a “local-ID” type, a “remote-URL” type, and a “Peer-to-Peer” type).

The “local-ID” type Media Request command includes one or more identifiers that refer to one or more media content item stored locally in the library of media content items of the called-subscriber terminal 5 as described above.

The “remote-URL” type Media Request command includes one or more URL identifiers that refer to one or more media content item stored in the library 816 as described above.

The “Peer-to-Peer” type Media Request includes the following: (i) a file name and possibly corresponding file type of one or more media files that make up the media-based call alert, (ii) the size of these media file(s), and (iii) digital rights management (DRM) information for the media file(s). Such DRM information preferably includes:

-   -   permissions/entitlements that designate consumption rights or         restrictions imposed on these media file(s), and     -   URLs (or IP addresses) for one or more servers for obtaining         keys for decrypting the media file(s) that make up the         media-based call alert and for obtaining the requisite         permissions/entitlements.         The permissions/entitlements that can be used to designate         consumption rights or restrictions imposed on the media file(s)         of the media-based alert are described above in detail with         respect to the “Transfer Media Request” command of FIG. 2.

Prior to issuing the “Media Request” command, the OP Media Transfer function 813 can communicate with the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to invoke a polling process executed on the called-subscriber terminal 5. This polling process will search media file(s) stored locally on the called-subscriber terminal 5 and determine if any of the locally-stored media files correspond to the media content selected by the calling subscriber for the media-based call alert. Status information pertaining to the results of the polling process is then communicated back from the called-subscriber terminal 5 to the calling-subscriber terminal 3. Such status information can be used to dictate the type of the “Media Request” command. For example, in the case that the status information indicates the media content for the media-based call alert is stored locally on the called-subscriber terminal device 5, a “local-ID” type Media Request command can be communicated to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. However, in the case that the status information indicates the media content for the media-based call alert is not stored locally on the called-subscriber terminal device 5, a “remote-URL”-type or “Peer-to-Peer”-type Media Request command can be communicated to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. It is contemplated that the called subscriber can store media content received from previous media-based call alerts from the calling subscriber (or received from other sources, such as a media-based call alert previously generated by the called subscriber or a media-based call alert received from another subscriber). The polling process described above can be used to initiate a “local-ID” type Media Request command (instead of a “remote-URL”-type or “Peer-to-Peer”-type Media Request command) for those instances where the media content for the media-based call alert is stored locally on the called-subscriber terminal 5, which advantageously reduces the amount of information communicated to the called-subscriber terminal 5 and thus reduces the required bandwidth and latency for communicating the media-based call alert to the called-subscriber terminal 5.

In the event that such polling process determines that called-subscriber terminal 5 locally stores one or more media files corresponding to the media content selected by the calling subscriber for the media-based call alert, the query server 9 can be controlled (either by the called-subscriber terminal or the calling-subscriber terminal) to source reference data for one or more media content items that do not exist on the calling-subscriber terminal. The reference data can be derived from content information maintained by the query server itself or from third-party sources. The identification of the referenced media content items is preferably based on behavioral targeting rules (e.g., rules that identify those media content items that are favored by users who have purchased the identified content items or multiple identified content items). The references to such media content items can be communicated to the calling-subscriber device 3 and presented to the calling subscriber as an alternative content media item for use as the media-based called alert to the called subscriber.

The RP Transfer Media function 815 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 processes the “Media Request” command as shown in FIG. 6B.

“Local-ID”-Type Media Request Processing

For the “local-ID” type Media Request command (steps 855, 857, 867, 877), the RP Transfer Media function 815 utilizes the identifier(s) of the “local-ID” type Media Request command to verify that the corresponding media content item(s) is/are stored locally in its library of media content items (step 855), and then generates and sends a “Media Received” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 867) and waits for acknowledgement of the “Media Received” command from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 877).

Upon receipt of this “Media Received” command, the OP Transfer Media function 813 of the calling-party subscriber terminal device 3 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command directed back to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (steps 873, 875) and then initiates the OP Voice Call Setup function 821.

Upon receiving the acknowledge command that is returned from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 indicating receipt of the “Media Received” command, the RP Transfer Media function 815 initiates the RP Voice Call Setup function 123.

The OP Voice Call Setup function 821 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 in order to provision a voice call to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 using available network resources as described above with respect to the first embodiment of FIG. 2. The voice call can be accomplished over a cellular network, a data packet network (e.g., VOIP call over the Internet), or other suitable communication network.

The RP Voice Call Setup function 823 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 such that called-subscriber terminal device 5 is placed in “incoming call wait mode” whereby the processing of all incoming voice calls is diverted to the RP Voice Call Setup function 823. More particularly, the ST Voice Call Processing Logic 60 passes caller identifier information for each incoming call to the RP Voice Call Setup Function 823. The RP Voice Call Setup function 823 validates this caller identifier information against caller identifier information that it has stored for the calling subscriber in a manner similar to the operations shown in FIG. 5. If the caller identifier information for the incoming call does not match the stored caller identifier information, the RP Voice Call Setup function 823 releases the call such that the call is handled by the ST Voice Call Processing Logic 60. If the caller identifier information for the incoming call does match the stored caller identifier information, the RP Voice Call Setup function 823 passes the media file(s) identified by the local identifier(s) of the “Local-ID” type Media Request processed in steps 853, 855, 857 to the appropriate media player, which is typically stored as part of the core applications and operating system 57 of the called-subscriber terminal device 3. In this manner, the media player executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the locally-stored media file(s) that makes up the “local-ID”-type media-based call alert as initiated by the calling subscriber.

The locally-stored media file(s) of the “Local-ID” type Media Request can be protected by DRM information. In this case, the operations of step 865 can be performed to retrieve media file entitlement data related thereto as described below. When the traditional incoming call processing is bypassed (e.g., the caller identifier information for the incoming call matches the stored caller identifier information), the RP Voice Call Setup function 823 passes the locally-stored DRM protected media file(s) (verified in block 857) and the retrieved media file entitlement data related thereto (block 865) to the appropriate DRM client on the called subscriber terminal device 5. The DRM client utilizes the decryption key(s) of the media file entitlement data to decrypt the media file(s) and passes the media file(s) in decrypted form to the appropriate media player. The DRM client cooperates with the media player to conform to the consumption restrictions (e.g., execute and not save) imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data associated therewith. In this manner, the media player executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the locally-stored media file(s) that makes up the “local-ID”-type media-based call alert as initiated by the calling subscriber. The playing of the locally-stored media file(s) is an announcement of the incoming voice call initiated by the calling subscriber.

“Remote-URL”-Type Media Request Processing

For the “remote-URL” type Media Request command (steps 859, 861, 865, 867, 877), the RP Transfer Media function 815 utilizes the URL identifier(s) of the “remote-URL” type Media Request command to retrieve from the library 816 the media content files(s) identified by such URL identifier(s) (step 861). In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by communicating a “Get Media Request” command to the library 816 of the query server 9, which returns the requested media content file(s) by a “Send Media” command. The returned media content file(s) is(are) protected by DRM information. In step 865, the RP Transfer Media function 815 communicates a “Get Media Entitlement” command to the query server 9. The QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 executing on the query server 9 receives the “Get Media Entitlement” command and obtains the necessary decryption key(s) and DRM license data (collectively, media file entitlement data) associated with the returned media file(s) of the “remote-URL” type Media Request command processed in step 861. Such media file entitlement data can be stored locally on the query server 9 or obtained from another server operably coupled thereto. Upon acquisition of the necessary media file entitlement data, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 forwards the media file entitlement data to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “Send Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto. Alternatively, the Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 can be carried out as part of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to interact with the appropriate servers to acquire the necessary media file entitlement data for the remotely located media file(s) that make up the “Remote-URL”-type media-based call alert.

The RP Transfer Media function 815 then generates and sends a “Media Received” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 867) and waits for acknowledgement of the “Media Received” command from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 877).

Upon receipt of this “Media Received” command, the OP Transfer Media function 813 of the calling-party subscriber terminal device 3 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command directed back to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (steps 873, 875) and then initiates the OP Voice Call Setup function 821.

Upon receiving the acknowledge signal that is returned from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 indicating receipt of the “Media Received” command, the RP Transfer Media function 815 initiates the RP Voice Call Setup function 123.

The OP Voice Call Setup function 821 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 in order to provision a voice call to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 using available network resources as described above with respect to the first embodiment of FIG. 2. The voice call can be accomplished over a cellular network, a data packet network (e.g., VOIP call over the Internet), or other suitable communication network.

The RP Voice Call Setup function 823 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 such that called-subscriber terminal device 5 is placed in “incoming call wait mode” whereby the processing of all incoming voice calls is diverted to the RP Voice Call Setup function 823. When the traditional incoming call processing is bypassed (e.g., the caller identifier information for the incoming call matches the stored caller identifier information), the RP Voice Call Setup function 823 passes the retrieved DRM protected media file(s) (step 861) and the retrieved media file entitlement data related thereto (block 865) to the appropriate DRM client on the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The DRM client utilizes the decryption key(s) of the media file entitlement data to decrypt the media file(s) and passes the media file(s) in decrypted form to the appropriate media player. The DRM client cooperates with the media player to conform to the consumption restrictions (e.g., execute and not save) imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data associated therewith. In this manner, the media player executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the remotely-stored media file(s) that makes up the “Remote-URL”-type media-based call alert as initiated by the calling subscriber. The playing of the media file(s) is an announcement of the incoming voice call initiated by the calling subscriber.

“Peer-to-Peer”-Type Media Request Processing

For “Peer-to-Peer”-type Media Request commands (steps 859, 863, 865, 867, 877), the RP Transfer Media Package function 815 performs peer-to-peer media transfer operations similar to those described above in FIG. 2. These operations include the processing the “Media Request” command to determine if the media file(s) identified therein can be received and processed by the called-subscriber terminal device 5, and returning the “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. The “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command preferably includes the following: (i) a preferred format for the media file(s), (ii) available memory on the called-subscriber terminal device 5, and (iii) acknowledgement of ability to comply with the DRM restrictions imposed on the media file(s).

Upon receipt of the “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command, the OP Transfer Media function 813 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 validates the information supplied therein for compliance. Such validation preferably confirms that the called-subscriber terminal device 5 can accept and consume the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert as intended and in the format provided by the calling-subscriber terminal device 5. If such validation is successful, the OP Transfer Media function 813 initiates communication of the “Send Media” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 5. The “Send Media” command preferably includes the following: (i) the media file(s) for media-based call alert in encrypted form, (ii) meta-data relevant to these media file(s) (e.g., name, creator(s), performer(s) etc.), and (iii) DRM information for the media file(s) as described above. Upon receipt of the “Send Media” command, the RP Transfer Media Package function 815 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command that is returned back to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Upon receipt of this acknowledge command, the OP Transfer Media Package function 813 is placed into a wait state pending receipt of the “Media Received” command to be issued by the RP Transfer Media Package function 815 as described below.

In the event that the validation of the “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command fails, the OP Transfer Media function 813 can display such status to the calling subscriber on the display device 61 and/or possibly raise other alerts on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3, and then end the processing of the media-based call alert communication to the called subscriber.

If the processing of “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command indicates that the called-subscriber terminal device 3 requires the media content of the “Peer-to-Peer” type media-based call alert in a different format, the OP Transfer Media function 813 can initiate the “Send Media To” command to the query server 9. The “Send Media To” command preferably includes the following information: (i) the address of the called-subscriber terminal device 5, (ii) optionally, details about the media file(s) that make up the media-based call alert, (iii) optionally, the media file(s), (iii) the required format for the media file(s) as requested by the called subscriber in the “Ack P-P Transfer Media Request” command, and (iv) DRM information for the media file(s) as described above. Upon successful receipt of the “Send Media To” command, QS Transfer Media function 817 executing on the query server 9 sends a corresponding acknowledge command back to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3. Upon receipt of this acknowledge command, the OP Transfer Media function 813 is placed into a wait state pending receipt of the “Media Received” command to be issued by the RP Transfer Media function 815 as described below.

The QS Transfer Media function 817 operates to either (i) transcode the media file(s) received from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 into the suitable format as identified by the calling-subscriber device 3 in the “Send Media To” command or (ii) acquire a new copy of the media file(s) in the suitable format. The new copy can be acquired from a media store maintained by the query server 9 or a media store operably coupled thereto. Upon generating (or acquiring) the media file(s) in the suitable format, the QS Transfer Media function 817 initiates the communication of the “Send Media” command (which is described above in detail) to the called subscriber terminal device 5. Upon receipt of the “Send Media” command, the RP Transfer Media function 815 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command that is returned back to the query server 9, thereby indicating successful delivery of the “Send Media” command to the called-subscriber terminal device 3. The ends the peer-to-peer media transfer operations of step 863.

In step 865, the RP Transfer Media function 815 communicates a “Get Media Entitlement” command to the query server 9. The QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 executing on the query server 9 receives the “Get Media Entitlement” command and obtains the necessary decryption key(s) and DRM license data (collectively, media file entitlement data) associated with the media file(s) transferred in step 863. Such media file entitlement data can be stored locally on the query server 9 or obtained from another server operably coupled thereto. Upon acquisition of the necessary media file entitlement data, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 forwards the media file entitlement data to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “Send Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto. Alternatively, the Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 can be carried out as part of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to interact with the appropriate servers to acquire the necessary media file entitlement data for the remotely located media file(s) that make up the “Peer-to-pee-type media-based call alert.

The RP Transfer Media function 815 then generates and sends a “Media Received” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 867) and waits for acknowledgement of the “Media Received” command from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 877).

Upon receipt of this “Media Received” command, the OP Transfer Media function 813 of the calling-party subscriber terminal device 3 initiates communication of a corresponding acknowledge command that is returned back to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (steps 873, 875) and then initiates the OP Voice Call Setup function 821.

Upon receiving the acknowledge signal that is returned from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 indicating receipt of the “Media Received” command, the RP Transfer Media function 815 initiates the RP Voice Call Setup function 123.

The OP Voice Call Setup function 821 cooperates with the ST Voice Call

Processing logic 60 executing on the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 in order to provision a voice call to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 using available network resources as described above with respect to the first embodiment of FIG. 2. The voice call can be accomplished over a cellular network, a data packet network (e.g., VOIP call over the Internet), or other suitable communication network.

The RP Voice Call Setup function 823 cooperates with the ST Voice Call Processing logic 60 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 such that called-subscriber terminal device 5 is placed in “incoming call wait mode” whereby the processing of all incoming voice calls is diverted to the RP Voice Call Setup function 823. When the traditional incoming call processing is bypassed (e.g., the caller identifier information for the incoming call matches the stored caller identifier information), the RP Voice Call Setup function 823 passes the transferred DRM protected media file(s) (step 863) and the retrieved media file entitlement data related thereto (block 865) to the appropriate DRM client on the called subscriber terminal 5. The DRM client utilizes the decryption key(s) of the media file entitlement data to decrypt the media file(s) and passes the media file(s) in decrypted form to the appropriate media player. The DRM client cooperates with the media player to conform to the consumption restrictions (e.g., execute and not save) imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data associated therewith. In this manner, the media player executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 plays the peer-to-peer transferred media file(s) that makes up the “Peer-to-Peer”-type media-based call alert as initiated by the calling subscriber. The playing of the media file(s) is an announcement of the incoming voice call initiated by the calling subscriber.

The communication system of the present invention as described above can operate to distribute commercial pre-recorded audio and video media as part of a media-based call alert. Such distribution can occur across national borders and even internationally. The rights to commercial pre-recorded audio and video media include:

-   -   i) mechanical rights held by the copyright owner of the         composition underlying the recorded media;     -   ii) performance rights typically held by Performing Rights         Societies such as ASCAP, BMI, the MCPS, JASRAC, SOCAN and         APRA-AMCOS; and     -   iii) master recording rights held by the copyright owner of the         recorded media.         Licenses to these rights are typically limited to some but not         all territories/countries. The communication system of the         present invention can readily be adapted such that the         distribution and use of commercial pre-recorded audio and video         media as part of a media-based call alert conforms to the         territorial restrictions of the licensed rights associated with         the media content.

In a preferred embodiment, the functionality of the query server 9 is extended to maintain a content management database (CMD) of information that identifies the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for commercial media content items or groups thereof. The content management database is accessed to ensure conformance to territorial restrictions pertaining to the distribution of commercial media as part of the media-based call alert processing as described herein.

In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, the content management database is accessed as part of the query server's QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 of FIG. 6A to ensure conformance to territorial restrictions pertaining to the distribution of commercial media as part of a media-based call alert as described herein. The operations begin by receiving a “Get Media Entitlement” command (step 8003) communicated from the called-subscriber terminal device 5 to the query server 9 (step 8001) as described herein. The “Get Media Entitlement” command includes data that identifies the media file(s) of the media-based call alert. For “Local-ID”-type media-based call alerts, such data preferably includes one or more identifiers assigned to one or more media content items stored in the common libraries on the terminals devices 3, 5 as described above. For “Remote-URL”-type media-based call alerts, such data preferably includes one or more URL identifiers that refer to one or more media content item stored in the library 816 as described above. For “Peer-to-Peer”-type media-based call alerts, such data preferably includes the following: (i) a file name and possibly corresponding file type of one or more media files that make up the media-based call alert, and possibly (ii) digital rights management (DRM) information for the media file(s).

In step 8005, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 retrieves (or obtains) the necessary decryption key(s) and DRM license data (collectively media file entitlement data) associated with the media file(s) identified by the “Get Media Entitlement” command. Such DRM license data can be stored locally on the query server 9 or obtained from another server operably coupled thereto.

In step 8007, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 accesses the CMD of the query server 9 to retrieve data that identifies zero or more excluded territories for the media file(s) identified by the “Get Media Entitlement” command.

Upon acquisition of the media file entitlement data (step 8005) and the excluded territory data (step 8007), the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 forwards the media file entitlement data and the excluded territory data to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of a “Send Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto (steps 8009 and 8011).

The RP Transfer Media Package function 815 receives the “Send Media Entitlement” command (step 8013) and carries out the operations of steps 867 and 877 and the RP Voice Call Setup function 123 to play the media content of the media-based call alert as specified by the calling subscriber on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 in conjunction with an incoming voice call communicated from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as described above. In step 8015, concurrent or subsequent to such processing (for example, during the playing of the media content of the media-based call alert), RP Interactive User Interface Processing function 827 of the application 11 executing on the called-subscriber terminal device 5 identifies the territory of the terminal device 5. The territory of the terminal device 5 can be determined by analyzing a variety of information related thereto, such as product registration information, the location of the wireless network, the IP address of the terminal device 5, and LBS information.

In step 8017, the RP Interactive User Interface Processing function 827 determines whether the territory of the terminal device 5 (step 8015) corresponds to any of the excluded territories identified by the content of the received “Send Media Entitlement” command (step 8013).

In the event that the determination of step 8017 is false (the territory of the terminal device 5 does not correspond to any of the excluded territories), the operations continue to generate and send a “Gift Available” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (block 8023) and present a [Buy] option as part of the user interface presented to the called subscriber on the display screen of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (block 8025). The [Buy] option is associated with the media file(s) of the media-based call alert. In the event that the called subscriber selects the [Buy] option, the RP Interactive User Interface Processing function 827 generates a sends a “Media Buy” command to the query server 9 (step 8027). The “Media Buy” command includes i) data that identifies the media file(s) of the media-based call alert/{Buy} option, and possibly ii) digital rights management (DRM) information for the media file(s).

The QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 of the query server 9 receives the “Media Buy” command communicated from the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (step 8029) and then retrieves or obtains DRM license data for the media file(s) identified by the received “Media Buy” command, such DRM license data in conformance with the licensed rights of such media file(s) (step 8031). For example, it is contemplated that the license rights for one or more media files allows for user playing and saving such files when purchased. In this case, the DRM license data returned for such content allows for playing and saving such media files. The DRM license data can be stored locally on the query server 9 or obtained from another server operably coupled thereto.

In step 8033, the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 forwards the DRM license data obtained in step 8031 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of an “Update Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto. The function 811 may initiate an Accounting Function (not shown) that performs the following tasks: (i) creating a transaction record for reporting purposes and billing purposes, if necessary, and/or (ii) validating that the called subscriber can be correctly billed for the media content of the media-based call alert communication, if necessary.

In step 8035, the RP Transfer Media Package function 815 receives the “Update Media Entitlement” command and cooperates with the DRM client of the called-subscriber terminal 5 to update the consumption restrictions imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data received as part of the “Update Media Entitlement” command. In this manner, the process flow enables the called subscriber to “buy” and use media content in conformance with the license rights associated therewith.

The receipt of the “Gift Available” command at the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (block 8035) triggers the OP Interactive User Interface Processing function 825 to present a [Gift] option as part of the user interface presented to the calling subscriber on the display screen of the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (block 8025). The [Gift] option is associated with the media file(s) of the media-based call alert. In the event that the calling subscriber selects the [Gift] option, the OP Interactive User Interface Processing function 825 generates a sends a “Media Gift” command to the query server 9 (step 8041). The “Media Gift” command includes i) data that identifies the media file(s) of the media-based call alert/{Gift} option, and possibly ii) digital rights management (DRM) information for the media file(s).

The QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 of the query server 9 receives the “Media Gift” command communicated from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 8043) and then retrieves or obtains DRM license data for the media file(s) identified by the received “Media Gift” command in a manner similar to that described above for the {Buy} option. The operations then continue to step 8033 whereby the QS Media File Entitlement Processing function 819 forwards the DRM license data obtained in step 8031 to the called-subscriber terminal device 5 as part of an “Update Media Entitlement” command communicated thereto. The function 811 may initiate an Accounting Function (not shown) that performs the following tasks: (i) creating a transaction record for reporting purposes and billing purposes, if necessary, and/or (ii) validating that the calling subscriber can be correctly billed for the “gifted” media content of the media-based call alert communication, if necessary.

In step 8035, the RP Transfer Media Package function 815 receives the “Update Media Entitlement” command and cooperates with the DRM client of the called-subscriber terminal 5 to update the consumption restrictions imposed on the media file(s) as dictated by the DRM license data received as part of the “Update Media Entitlement” command. In this manner, the process flow enables the calling subscriber to “gift” media content to the called subscriber for use in conformance with the license rights associated therewith.

In the event that the determination of step 8017 is true (the territory of the terminal device 5 does correspond to at least one of the excluded territories), the operations continue to generate and send a “Gift Unavailable” command to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (block 8019) and present a “Buy Unavailable” notification as part of the user interface presented to the called subscriber on the display screen of the called-subscriber terminal device 5 (block 8021). The receipt of the “Gift Unavailable” command at the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 8037) disables the ability of the calling subscriber to “gift” the media content to the called subscriber as described above and thus ensures that the distribution of the media content conforms to the license rights associates therewith. Similarly, the logic of decision step 8017 disables the ability of the called subscriber to “buy” the media content and thus ensures that the distribution of the media content conforms to the license rights associates therewith.

In a preferred embodiment, the functionality of the query server 9 can be adapted to i) communicate the media-based call alert command to a secondary called-party device and/or ii) to enable the called-party to access the media content of the media-based call alert command for those instances where the called-party is not serviceable at the time of call initiation by the calling-party. FIG. 6D illustrates exemplary operations that carry out these functions as part of the QS Initiate Media Call function 811 of FIG. 6A. The operations begin by receiving the “Initiate Media Call” command from the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 (step 8051) and the determining whether the called subscriber is serviceable based upon the presence information and permissions data associated therewith as described above. In the event that the called subscriber is serviceable, the serviceability state of “available” is returned to the calling subscriber terminal (step 8055) and the operation of function 811 ends. In the event that the called subscriber is not-serviceable, the operations continue to step 8057 to identify the ANI of a secondary communication device for the called subscriber (or other data for connecting to a secondary communication device for the called subscriber). This data can be stored in a hierarchical list associated with the called subscriber as part of the database 15 of the query server. In step 8059, the serviceability of the called subscriber at the secondary communication device is checked. The operations of steps 8057 and 8059 can be performed in a recursive manner for multiple devices in the hierarchical list. In the event that the called subscriber is serviceable at the second communication device, the serviceability state of “available” along with the ANI of the secondary communication device (or the other data for connected to the secondary communication device) is returned to the calling subscriber terminal (step 8061) and the operation of function 811 ends. In the event that the called subscriber is not-serviceable at the second communication device, the operations of steps 8063 to 8067 are performed.

In step 8063, for “Peer-to-Peer”-type media-based alerts, the function 811 cooperates with the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to obtain a copy of the media content of the media-based alert and saves such data. For “Remote-URL”-type media-based alerts, the function 811 cooperates with the calling-subscriber terminal device 3 to obtain a reference to the media content of the media-based alert and saves such data.

In step 8065, the function 811 returns the serviceability state of “not-available” to the calling-subscriber terminal device 3.

In step 8067, the function 811 sends a store-and-forward message (such as an SMS message, MMS message, or email message) to the called subscriber providing notification of the attempted call and instructions on how to access the media content save in step 8063 (or referenced by the data saved in step 8063). The stored media content can be made available to the called subscriber as part of a voice mailbox accessible to the called subscriber or other suitable mechanism.

The serviceability state returned to the called-subscriber terminal device 3 in steps 8055, 8061 and 8065 are used by the OP Initiate Media Call function 809 to selectively initiate a media-base call alert command based thereon as described above in detail. The ANI of the secondary communication device (or such data for connecting to the secondary communication device) is passed to the OP Voice Setup function 821 for setting up the connection to the secondary communication device of the called subscriber.

The application 11 executing on a subscriber terminal device maintains a buddy list graphical user interface, which allows the subscriber to see presence information associated with other known subscribers, to manage who can make media calls to the subscriber (e.g., selectively block or enable media-based call alert communications from other known subscribers), and to see whether or not the subscriber is blocked or enabled from making media-based call alert communications to other known subscribers. The buddy list can also provide an indication if other known users (who may or may not be subscribers) have a compatible device for receiving media-based call alert communications. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the buddy list utilizes a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device information, presence information and permissions and status information associated with subscribers (or non-subscribers) of the communication service of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of such a buddy list interface. A list of buddies descends the middle column of the buddy list interface. One or more icons associated with a given buddy are presented to the left of the name of the given buddy. The icons are selected from a multi-tiered set of icons as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. The icons of the first tier (FIG. 8A) depict device information (e.g., compatibility, configuration, call mode [silent], location) of the buddy's communication terminal. The user can click on these icons to initiate a compatibility check and/or an invitation to download and install the application 11 as noted in the table of FIG. 8A. The icons of the second tier (FIG. 8B) depict the presence information of the buddy's communication terminal as noted in the table of FIG. 8B. The icons of the third tier (FIG. 8C) depict permissions of the buddy for the subscriber as well as status information associated with the buddy's communication terminal as noted in the table of FIG. 8C. The buddy list interface of FIG. 7 can also include any of the features described above for the buddy list interface of FIG. 4.

The subscriber terminal device can also maintain a library of media content items that have been used as part of media-based call alerts initiated by the subscriber (i.e., in the calling subscriber role) and/or received by the subscriber (i.e., in the called subscriber role). The graphical user interface of the application 11 executing on the subscriber terminals can allow for navigation of this library as well as management thereof (e.g., deleting items, moving items, ordering items by date, order items by subscriber, etc.). It can also provide options for the subscriber to {Buy} particular media content (if not done so already). Selection of the {Buy} option preferably initiates processing similar to steps 8015-8035 as described above with respect to FIG. 6C to update the DRM licenses for the particular media content in conformance with the license rights associated therewith, when applicable).

Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a functional block diagram of an exemplary communication system that includes a variety of different access networks (mobile, fixed and wireless access networks). Mobile subscriber terminals 211A communicate over wireless communication links to a mobile access network 210A. The mobile access network 210A includes a plurality of base stations 213 (one shown) that are operably coupled to radio network controllers 215 (one shown). The radio network controllers 215 are responsible for radio resource allocation to the mobile subscriber terminals 211A, and for frequency administration and handover between base stations 213. The radio network controller function may be physically located within a base station 213 itself.

Each base station 213 includes at least one antenna and a group of one or more radio transmitter-receiver pairs. Each transmitter-receiver pair operates on a pair of radio frequencies to create a communication channel: one frequency to transmit radio signals to a mobile subscriber terminal 211A and the other frequency to receive radio signals from the mobile subscriber terminal 211A. Each base station 213 defines a cell of the mobile access network 210A, which is a predetermined volume of space radially arranged around its antenna. In order to prevent the radio signals transmitted from one base station from interfering with radio signals transmitted from an adjacent base station, the transmitter frequencies for adjacent base stations are selected to be different so that there is sufficient frequency separation between adjacent transmitter frequencies. In order to reuse the same frequencies, the cellular telecommunication industry has developed a small but finite number of transmitter frequencies and allocation patterns that ensure that adjacent cell sites do not operate on the same frequency. When a mobile subscriber terminal 211A initiates a call connection, control signals transmitted from the local base station 213 cause the frequency agile transponder in the mobile subscriber terminal 211A to operate at the frequency of operation designated for that particular base station. As the mobile subscriber terminal 211A moves from one cell to another, the call connection is handed off to the successive base station and the frequency agile transponder in the mobile subscriber terminal 211A adjusts its frequency of operation to correspond to the frequency of operation of the base station 213 located in the cell in which the mobile subscriber terminal 211A is presently operational.

Numerous technologies, such as EDGE technology and W-CDMA technology, can be used to implement the mobile access network 210A. EDGE technology provides enhanced GPRS services, which can be used for any packet switched applications such as an Internet connection. High-speed data applications such as video services and other multimedia services benefit from the increased data capacity provided by the enhanced GPRS services. W-CDMA technology employs wideband code division multiplexing technology to provide high speed packet switched data rates that is suitable for high-speed data applications such as video services and other multimedia services.

Fixed Subscriber terminals 211B communicate over communication links to a fixed access network 210B (e.g., a cable modem coupled to a hybrid fiber coax data network) as is well known. Fixed Subscriber terminals 211C communicate over communication links to another fixed access network 210C (e.g., a DSL modem coupled to a DSL access network) as is well known. Fixed or Mobile Subscriber terminals 211D communicate over communication links to a wireless access network 210D (e.g., a Wi-Fi or Wi-Max access network) as is well known. The mobile subscriber terminals 211A can be any of a number of communication devices including cellular handset devices, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, personal computers, networked kiosks, and the like. The subscriber terminals 211B, 211C, 211D can be any of a number of communication devices including personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, networked kiosks, VOIP phones, traditional phones connected to VOIP gateways, and the like.

The subscriber terminals 211A, 211B, 211C, 211D connect to the respective access networks using various methods based upon the standard Internet Protocol (IP). The access networks 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D interface to a core network 220 that provides the signaling functions that are necessary to establish voice over IP calls to and from the subscriber terminals. The core network 220 also preferably interfaces to the Public Switched Telephone Network 220 to allow for voice over IP calls to be transformed into a form suitable for communication over the PSTN.

The communication system of FIG. 5 supports peer-to-peer voice over IP call communications which employ push-type communication of a media-based announcement from a calling-subscriber terminal device to a called-subscriber terminal device in accordance with the present invention.

The core network 220 provides call session control functionality 221 and user database functionality 223. The call session control functionality 221 sets up/modifies and tears down sessions between the subscriber terminal devices. The user database functionality 223 maintains information relating to subscribers, such as authentication and authorization information, presence information, location information, billing information. The call session control functionality 221 preferably supports the standardized SIP protocol and can be realized by a variety of network architectures (e.g., SIP Network, IMS Network) based thereon. A SIP Network includes a set of network elements (e.g., Registrar, Location Server(s), Proxy Server(s), Redirect Server(s)) for supporting the SIP protocol. An IMS Network is based upon the SIP protocol and embodies a set of network functions (including P-CSCF, I-CSSF, S-SCSF, BGCF, SGW, MGCF, MGW) for setting up, modifying and tearing down sessions between the subscriber terminal devices. It also includes a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), which is a master database containing subscriber-related information, such as authentication and authorization information, presence information, location information, billing information.

The mobile subscriber terminals 211A embody the media-based call alert communication application 11 as described herein and shown in the exemplary architecture of FIG. 10A. Similarly, the subscriber terminals 211B, 211C, 211D embody the media-based call alert communication application 11 as described herein and shown in the exemplary architecture of FIG. 10B. A query server 209 interfaces to the core network 220. The query server 209 embodies the functionality of the query server 9 as described herein. The query server 209 exchanges subscriber-related information (e.g., subscriber presence information) with the user database functionality 223 of the core network 220 preferably by a standardized mechanism (e.g., OSA/ParlayX services). The query server 209 can also store media content for use as media-based call alerts as well as DRM information and licenses rights associated therewith. Alternatively, the query server 209 can interface to other systems that provide such information. In alternative embodiments, the query server 209 can be part of the functionality of the core network 220 and/or can interface to (or possibly be part of) one of the access networks 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. The functionality of the query server 209 can also possibly be distributed amongst multiple network elements that are interfaced to (or part of) different parts of the communication system. The subscriber terminals 211A, 211B, 211C, 211D communicate to one another and to the query server 209 over sessions (preferably SIP sessions) that carry information via TCPIP packets communicated therebetween in order to carry out the media-based call alert communication processing described herein.

The communications network of the present invention provides for communication of media-based call alerts as described herein. It can also be used to advertise, promote, and/or merchandize a vast range of products and services. For example, it is contemplated that during the processing of the call alert on the called-subscriber terminal 5 (and/or possibly during and/or after a voice call mediated by the call alert), the application 11 operating on the called subscriber terminal 5 can activate a user interface that presents to the called subscriber one or more advertisements and possibly one or more icons/buttons that are related thereto. The advertisement(s) of the user interface can be constructed from an image file (e.g., GIF, JPEG, PNG) and/or possibly a JavaScript program or other multimedia object employing technologies such as Java, Shockwave or Flash. Such multimedia objects can represent audio and/or video advertising content. The icons/buttons of the user interface are each associated with a particular action pertaining to the displayed advertisement(s). For example, a [Buy] icon/button can provide a link to a web page for buying a product associated with the displayed advertisement, and an [Info] icon/button can provide a link to a web page that displays information for a product associated with the displayed advertisement. In the preferred embodiment, the advertisement(s) and associated icons/buttons are presented at a predetermined point in the processing of the call alert on the called-subscriber terminal 5, for example, during the setup or termination of the playing of the media content specified by the call alert.

In an alternate embodiment, the interface can offer the called subscriber the option to “save and keep” the media content of the call alert (or possibly apply other consumption restrictions related thereto) in exchange for presentation of one or more advertisements and possibly additional conditions related thereto (e.g., the called subscriber must allow for presentation of the advertisement(s) and possibly respond to the advertisement(s)). If the called subscriber elects this option, the interface presents the advertisement(s) to the called subscriber and monitors the user interaction with the advertisement(s). If the called-subscriber has satisfied the conditions of the option, the DRM license data for media content of the call alert can be updated to allow the called-subscriber to “save and keep” the media content (or possibly apply other consumption restrictions related thereto). The update of the DRM license data is preferably accomplished by carrying out media entitlement processing operations similar to those described above respect to function 119 of FIG. 2 or function 819 of FIG. 6A. This interface can also be presented to the called subscriber during the processing of the call alert on the called-subscriber terminal 5 (and/or possibly during and/or after a voice call mediated by the call alert).

The user interface of the called subscriber terminal 5 can present to the called subscriber one or more image files and/or multimedia objects that represent promotional information and/or merchandizing information as well as one or more icons/buttons related thereto.

The media content specified by the call alert can itself be advertising information, promotional information and/or merchandizing information as well as one or more icons/buttons related thereto.

During the processing of the call alert on the calling-subscriber terminal 3 (and/or possibly during and/or after a voice call mediated by the call alert), the application 11 operating on the calling-subscriber terminal 3 can activate a user interface that presents to the calling subscriber one or more advertisements and possibly one or more icons/buttons that are related thereto. The advertisement(s) of the user interface can be constructed from an image file (e.g., GIF, JPEG, PNG) and/or possibly a JavaScript program or other multimedia object employing technologies such as Java, Shockwave or Flash. Such multimedia objects can represent audio and/or video advertising content. The icons/buttons of the user interface are each associated with a particular action pertaining to the displayed advertisement(s). For example, a [Buy] icon/button can provide a link to a web page for buying a product associated with the displayed advertisement, and an [Info] icon/button can provide a link to a web page that displays information for a product associated with the displayed advertisement. In the preferred embodiment, the advertisement(s) and associated icons/buttons are presented at a predetermined point in the processing of the call alert on the calling-subscriber terminal 3, for example, during the “ring-back” period where the call alert is being communicated to the called-subscriber terminal 5 but before the called-subscriber terminal 5 actually plays the media content of the call alert.

In an alternate embodiment, the interface can offer the calling subscriber the option to “save and keep” the media content of the call alert (or possibly apply other consumption restrictions related thereto) in exchange for presentation of one or more advertisements and possibly additional conditions related thereto (e.g., the calling subscriber must allow for presentation of the advertisement(s) and possibly respond to the advertisement(s)). If the calling subscriber elects this option, the interface presents the advertisement(s) to the calling subscriber and monitors the user interaction with the advertisement(s). If the calling-subscriber has satisfied the conditions of the option, the DRM license data for media content of the call alert can be updated to allow the calling-subscriber to “save and keep” the media content (or possibly apply other consumption restrictions related thereto). The update of the DRM license data is preferably accomplished by carrying out media entitlement processing operations similar to those described above respect to function 119 of FIG. 2 or function 819 of FIG. 6A. This interface can be presented to the calling subscriber during the processing of the call alert on the calling-subscriber terminal 3 (and/or possibly during and/or after a voice call mediated by the call alert).

The user interface of the calling subscriber terminal 3 can present to the called subscriber one or more image files and/or multimedia objects that represent promotional information and/or merchandizing information as well as one or more icons/buttons related thereto.

The advertising information, promotional information and/or merchandizing may be selected for the calling subscriber or the called subscriber by referencing user profile information in the server, as well as additional reference information from third party servers, in order to identify at least one specific advertising/marketing/promotional media item to increase the applicability of the media item for the calling subscriber or called subscriber.

The advertising content of the user interface as well as the icons/buttons of the user interface and the particular actions associated therewith can be distributed to the called-subscriber terminal 5 and/or the calling-subscriber terminal 3 by many means. For example, the advertising content (or references thereto) can be forwarded to a respective subscriber terminal over communication between a central Ad Server/Ad Server Network (labeled as 17 in FIGS. 1 and 217 in FIG. 9) and the respective subscriber terminal. The advertising information communicated to a subscriber terminal can be targeted based on contextual information and/or subscriber-specific profile information, e.g., demographics, location, behavioral information (such as purchase history) and/or other information provided by the subscriber. The subscriber-specific profile information is preferably stored in the query server 9 and made accessible to the Ad Server as needed.

In the preferred embodiment, the application 11 executing on the respective generates and sends a request to the Ad Server. The request is associated with targeted advertising space (e.g., a particular portion of a display screen for banner-type advertisements or video advertisements) encountered by execution of the application 11 executing on a respective terminal (3, 5). The request is received by the Ad Server and processed to select advertising content based upon selection criteria (e.g., geographical targeting criteria, contextual targeting criteria, behavioral targeting criteria, etc). The selected advertising content and possibly the icons/buttons and particular actions associated therewith (or reference(s) thereto) is/are returned to the respective terminal (3, 5) where it is presented to the subscriber as part of the user interface of the respective terminal. Similar operations can be used to communicate promotional material and/or merchandizing material to the respective terminal (3, 5). The respective terminal (3, 5) and the Ad Server preferably cooperate to enable the Ad Server to track impressions, clicks, post-click activities, and possibly other interaction metrics for the advertisement content communicated to the respective terminal, and to allow advertisers to monitor progress of their advertising campaigns based upon such metrics.

The application 11 operating on the respective terminal (3, 5) can provide the subscriber with opt-in/opt-out permission control over the receiving of advertisement(s) and/or other promotional and marketing information during the media-based call alert processing described herein. Such opt-in/out-out control can be provided on a global basis (for all functions controlled by the service) or possibly on a type-by-type basis (for certain functions controlled by the service, such as, opt-in for receiving advertisements pertaining to called-subscriber functions and opt-out for receiving “ring-back” advertisements pertaining to calling-subscriber functions).

The peer-to-peer communication operations described herein can be extended to multiple party conferencing. For example, parties can be added to a multiple-party conference utilizing any suitable mechanism, including dial-in methods to a central service and dial-out methods from the service. For dial-out methods, the media-based call alert processing described herein can be used to alert the user of the conference call request. Moreover, when the service is used to connect two or more parties, the query server can identify the location of the parties, sequester information related to such locations, and offer to the parties products or services related to such locations, which are typically referred to as Location-based services. For example, in a multiple party call, any or all of the users can be offered the ability to view the relative proximity of the other party(ies) of the call or to receive a turn-by-turn instructions (and/or map) for traveling to one or more of the other party(ies) of the call.

There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a system and method for communicating a media-based call alert command from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert command preferably conveys media content that is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Alternatively, the media-based call alert command need not convey the media content itself, but instead convey media identification information that identifies media content that is locally or remotely accessible by the called-party device for playback prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular communication technologies, system architectures, device architectures and command formats have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other current and future communication technologies, system architectures, device architectures and command formats can be used as well to carry out the media-based call alert communication processing of the present invention as described herein. For example, the management of subscriber-related information as well as call session control can be carried out by a protocol different from the SIP protocol (or those networks based thereon). Such a protocol might be standardized protocol or possibly proprietary depending upon the application. In another example, the subscriber's presence information maintained by the query server of the service can possibly represent a series of “opt-in” states, for example, a “voice only opt-in” state (meaning that the subscriber is available only for voice call communication initiated as part of the service and not for data communication initiated as part of the service), a “data only opt-in” state (meaning that the subscriber is available only for data communication initiated as part of the service and not for voice call communication initiated as part of the service for only voice call communication initiated as part of the service, opt-in for only data), or other states. Such presence states are updatable by subscribers and maintained by the query server. Such presence states are used to selectively initiate (or not initiate) communication to subscribers of the service on a per call basis. Moreover, the service may be open to registered users (or possibly other user classes) and thus not require subscription. In addition, while particular graphical user interfaces have been disclosed, it will be understood that other graphical user interfaces can be used. It is also contemplated that the systems, apparatus and processes described herein can used to announce or alert non-voice data communications initiated by one party to another party. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed. 

1. A system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the system comprising: a calling party device operated by the calling party, a called party device operated by the called party, and a server operably coupled to said calling party device and to said called party device over a communication network therebetween; wherein said server includes or interfaces to at least one database for storing presence data and permissions data for a plurality of users, wherein presence data and permissions data for the called party is specified by communication from said called party device; wherein said calling party device includes first means for identifying the called party, second means for selecting media content for a multimedia announcement, third means for communicating with said server to determine serviceability of the called party based upon said presence data and said permissions data for the called party, and fourth means for selectively initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device based upon serviceability of the called party as determined by said third means, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; and wherein said called party device includes means for receiving the at least one command and means for playing the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein: said called party device include means for updating presence data and permissions data for the called party as stored in the at least one database in accordance with user input provided by the called party, and said calling party device includes means for updating the presence data and permission data for the calling party as stored in the at least one database in accordance with user input provided by the calling party.
 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein: said called party device includes a graphical user interface for updating presence data and permissions data for the called party, and said calling party device includes a graphical user interface for updating presence data and permissions data for the calling party.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the permission data for the called party represents whether communication of any of said at least one command from the calling party to the called party should be allowed or blocked.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the permission data for the called party represents whether communication of certain types of said at least one command from the calling party to the called party should be allowed or blocked, the certain types corresponding to types of media content specified by or included in said at least one command.
 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein: said calling party device and said called party device each include a list of users and associated permission information displayed thereon.
 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein: said fourth means can initiate communication of the at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally available and the permission data for called party represents that communication of the least one command from the calling party device to the called party device should be allowed, said fourth means does not initiate communication of the at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally not-available, and said fourth means does not initiate communication of the at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally available and the permission data for called party represents that communication of the at least one command from the calling party device to the called party device should be blocked.
 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein: serviceability of the called party is based upon device information pertained to the called party device, the device information communicated from the called party device to the server and stored on the server.
 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein: said fourth means can initiate communication of the at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the device data for the called party represents that communication of the at least one command to the called party device is possible, and said fourth means does not initiate communication of the at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the device data for the called party represents that communication of the at least one command to the called party device is not possible.
 10. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the calling party device and the called party device store a common library of media content items, the at least one command includes identification data that identifies at least one media content item stored in the common library, and the means for playing the media content on the called party device plays the at least one media content item identified by the identification data of the at least one command in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 11. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one command includes identification data that identifies at least one media content item that is stored on a remote content source, the called party device includes means for communicating with the remote content source to retrieve the at least one media content item identified by the identification data, and the means for playing the media content on the called party device plays the at least one media content item retrieved from the remote content source in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 12. A system according to claim 11, wherein: said remote content source is realized by said server or interfaced thereto.
 13. A system according to claim 10, wherein: the at least one command includes at least one media content item that is played on the called party device in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 14. A system according to claim 13, wherein: the at least one command includes a first command that identifies a given media content item and information related thereto, and wherein the called party device receives and analyzes information contained in said first command to determine if the given media content item can be received and processed by the called party device, and returns a first reply that indicates whether the at least one media content item can be received and processed by the called party device.
 15. A system according to claim 14, further comprising: in the event that said first reply indicates that the given media content item can be received and processed by the called party device, communicating from said calling party device to said called party device a second command that includes at least the given media content item.
 16. A system according to claim 15, further comprising: in the event that said first reply indicates that the given media content item cannot be received and processed by the called party device, communicating from said calling party device to said server a third command that includes at least the given multimedia announcement, wherein said server processes said third command and forwards the given multimedia announcement to said called party device in a form suitable for processing by said called party device.
 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein: in processing said third command, said server transcodes the given media content item supplied thereto by the calling party device.
 18. A system according to claim 13, wherein: in response to successful transfer of the given media content item from the calling party device to the called party device, said called party device communicates to said calling party device a fourth command that indicates successful receipt of the given multimedia announcement, said calling party device receiving said fourth command and initiating the call from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network in response to said fourth command.
 19. A system according to claim 1, wherein: initiation of the call from said calling party device to said called party device requests provisioning of resources of said communication network for the call subsequent to receiving said fourth command.
 20. A system according to claim 18, wherein: in conjunction with initiating communication of the fourth command, said called party device adapts the incoming call processing carried out by said called party device such that any incoming call originating from said calling party device will be announced by playing the at least one media content item.
 21. A system according to claim 20, wherein: the incoming call processing carried out by said called party device compares caller identifier information for each incoming call and automatically invokes an application for playing the at least one media content item in the event that the caller identifier information corresponds to an identifier assigned to said calling party device.
 22. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the media content specified by or included in the at least one command is stored in a file that is protected by a DRM mechanism for controlling access thereto.
 23. A system according to claim 22, wherein: said called party device acquires DRM license information that allows access to the file storing the media content for at least playing the media content on said called party device.
 24. A system according to claim 23, wherein: said DRM license information controls access to the file storing the media content for other functions selected from the group including: allowing the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, prohibiting the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, allowing the file to be used only for intended purposes, prohibiting the file to be used for non-intended purposes, allowing the file to be forwarded to another device, prohibiting the file to be forwarded to another device, allowing the file to played a certain number of times and then automatically deleted from the called party device, and allowing the file to played until a certain date and then automatically deleted from the called party device.
 25. A system according to claim 23, wherein: said server supplies said DRM license information to said called party device.
 26. A system according to claim 23, wherein: means for supplying to the called party device first DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and means, responsive to a transaction invoked by the called party or the calling party for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, for supplying to the called party device second DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, the second DRM information permitting uses that are not allows by the first DRM information.
 27. A system according to claim 26, wherein: the transaction invoked by the called party comprises a buy-type transaction.
 28. A system according to claim 26, wherein: the transaction invoked by the calling party comprises a gift-type transaction.
 29. A system according to claim 1, wherein: said called party device is adapted to announce the call made from said calling party device to said called party device by playing the media content specified by or included in the at least one command and to communicate at least one interactive message between said called party device and said calling party device in conjunction with the call.
 30. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the server includes means for identifying a secondary called party device and means for communicating the at least one command thereto.
 31. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the server includes means, operable in the event that the called party is not serviceable at the time of call initiation by the calling party, for notifying the called party with instructions on how to access the media content specified by or included in the at least one command.
 32. A system according to claim 31, wherein: the server stores the media content specified by or included in the at least one command and provides for access to the called party in accordance with said instructions.
 33. A system according to claim 3, wherein: the graphical user interface of at least the calling party device utilizes a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device information, presence information, and permissions and status information associated with one or more parties.
 34. A system according to claim 33, wherein: a first tier of icons visually depicts device information (e.g., compatibility, configuration, call mode [silent] and location); a second tier of icons visually depicts presence information; and a third tier of icons visually depicts permissions and status information.
 35. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a database of information pertaining to commercial media content items, the information of the database identifying the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof); means for identifying territory for the called party device or for the calling party device; means for accessing the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and for determining if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory; in the event that the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, supplying DRM license data information to the called party device or the calling party device that restricts usage of the media content or acts to present a most-alike alternative media content item that is not restricted for purchase/download in said territory [NOTE: JUST TO BE CLEAR, IT IS THE CONTENT DISTRIBUTION THAT IS RESTRICTED, NOT THE APPLICATION/SERVICE/SYSTEM].
 36. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a platform for distributing advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items to at least one of the called-party device and the calling-party device.
 37. A system according to claim 36, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are communicated to the called-party device for presentation in a manner that accompanies playing of media content specified by or included in the at least one command.
 38. A system according to claim 36, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are selected for the calling party or the called party by referencing user profile information in the server, as well as additional reference information from third party servers, in order to identify at least one specific advertising/marketing/promotional media item to increase the applicability of the media item for the calling party or called party.
 39. A system according to claim 36, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are communicated to the calling-party device for presentation during a ring-back period when the at least one command is being communicated to the called-party device but before playing the media content of the multimedia announcement.
 40. A system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the system comprising: a calling party device operated by the calling party, a called party device operated by the called party, and a server operably coupled to said calling party device and to said called party device over a communication network therebetween; wherein said server includes or interfaces to at least one database for storing DRM license information; wherein said calling party device includes first means for identifying the called party, second means for selecting media content for a multimedia announcement, and third means for initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; and wherein said called party device includes means for receiving the at least one command and means for playing the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network, wherein said called party device acquires DRM license information from said server that allows access to the file storing the media content for at least playing the media content on said called party device.
 41. A system according to claim 40, wherein: said DRM license information controls access to the file storing the media content for other functions selected from the group including: allowing the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, prohibiting the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, allowing the file to be used only for intended purposes, prohibiting the file to be used for non-intended purposes, allowing the file to be forwarded to another device, prohibiting the file to be forwarded to another device, allowing the file to played a certain number of times and then automatically deleted from the called party device, allowing the file to played until a certain date and then automatically deleted from the called party device, and allowing the file to be played only in a specific sequence of actions by the calling party or called party, or only in a specific sequence of plays of other media content items, or only in a predetermined combination of both.
 42. A system according to claim 40, wherein: the server includes i) means for supplying to the called party device first DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and ii) means, responsive to a transaction invoked by the called party or the calling party for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, for supplying to the called party device second DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, the second digital rights license management information permitting uses that are not allows by the first DRM information.
 43. A system according to claim 42, wherein: the transaction invoked by the called party comprises a buy-type transaction.
 44. A system according to claim 42, wherein: the transaction invoked by the calling party comprises a gift-type transaction.
 45. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: the server includes means, operable in the event that the called party is does not have his or her device enabled to accept interactive multimedia announcements at the time of voice or data call initiation by the calling party for notifying the called party with instructions on how to access, install and initialize on the called party device the applicable enabling software specified by or included in the at least one command. In said event a copy of the media content item embodied in the intended interactive multimedia announcement is stored or the server or on the called party device, or on both, for later retrieval and use by the calling party or called party, or both calling party and called party; and/or the server includes means, operable in the event that the called party is does not have the his or her device enabled to accept interactive multimedia announcements at the time that the calling party first installs the activates the applicable software program on his or her device, or takes action to activate/recruit at least on buddy on his or her Contact List/Phone Book to be able to accept his or her interactive multimedia announcements, for notifying the called party with instructions on how to access, install and initialize the called party device the applicable enabling software specified by or included in the at least one command.
 46. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: the server includes means to present previews of at least one media content item from a library of media content items, and to make the media content items available for download for use in interactive multimedia announcements, on the calling party device and called party device. The composition of said library of media content items may be defined by the territory or network, or both territory and network, of the calling party and called party individually [i.e., if calling party is in the USA on T-Mobile, he will see one set of media content titles (ringers). If the called party is in China on Skype, she will see another set of media content titles (ringers). There may be some overlap on what is accessible and available to both]; and/or with a graphical user interface on the called party device, the called party may view a history of which calling parties have communicated interactive multimedia announcements to his or her called party device; view a history of which media content items have been communicated to the called party device from each of the said calling parties; play a preview of a representation of any of said historical media content items (in the case of more than one media content item, the items may be displayed in the chronological order of which they were communicated to the called party); and purchase/download any of the media content items displayed as available for purchase/download in the called party's territory or network, or both territory and network; and/or with a graphical user interface on the calling party device and called party device that enables the user to view and preview a list of the content media items that exist on the device of any of the user's buddies that is enabled for interactive multimedia announcements, and to be able to purchase/download any of the media content items displayed as available for purchase/download in the called party's territory or network, or both territory and network; and/or the server includes means to (a) track instances wherein a user, by using a graphical user interface, purchases at least one media content item that was embodied in an interactive multimedia announcement or appears on a list of such items that exists on the device of any of the user's buddies, (b) report said purchases on a display accessible on the device of the purchasing party or presenting party, as applicable, and (c) issue rewards in the form of loyalty points, premium access to other device-based services (e.g., 20 free SMS messages or 10 minutes of free video sharing), or cash credits to the account of the presenting party.
 47. A system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the system comprising: a calling party device operated by the calling party, a called party device operated by the called party, and a server operably coupled to said calling party device and to said called party device over a communication network therebetween; wherein said server includes or interfaces to at least one database of information pertaining to commercial media content items, the information of the database identifying the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof); wherein said calling party device includes first means for identifying the called party, second means for selecting media content for a multimedia announcement, and third means for initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; wherein said server includes i) means for identifying territory for the called party device or for the calling party device, ii) means for accessing the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and for determining if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, iii) means, operating in the event that the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, for supplying DRM license data information to the called party device or the calling party device that restricts usage of the media content or acts to present a most-alike alternative media content item that is not restricted for purchase/download in said territory; and wherein said called party device includes means for receiving the at least one command and means for playing the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 48. A method for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the method comprising: providing a server operably coupled to a calling party device operated by the calling party and a called party device operated by the called party, said server including or interfacing to at least one database for storing presence data and permissions data for a plurality of users, wherein presence data and permissions data for the called party is specified by communication from said called party device; said calling party operating said calling party device to identify the called party and to select media content for a multimedia announcement; in response to the operation of the calling party device, controlling said calling party device to communicate with said server to determine serviceability of the called party based upon said presence data and said permissions data for the called party; selectively initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device based upon serviceability of the called party as determined by said third means, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; receiving the at least one command at said called party device; and playing the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 49. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: updating presence data and permissions data for the called party as stored in the at least one database in accordance with user input provided by the called party; updating the presence data and permission data for the calling party as stored in the at least one database in accordance with user input provided by the calling party.
 50. A method according to claim 49, wherein: said called party device includes a graphical user interface for updating presence data and permissions data for the called party, and said calling party device includes a graphical user interface for updating presence data and permissions data for the calling party.
 51. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the permission data for the called party represents whether communication of any of said at least one command from the calling party to the called party should be allowed or blocked.
 52. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the permission data for the called party represents whether communication of certain types of said at least one command from the calling party to the called party should be allowed or blocked, the certain types corresponding to types of media content specified by or included in said at least one command.
 53. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: at said calling party device and at said called party device, storing a list of users and associated permission information displayed thereon.
 54. A method according to claim 48, wherein: communication of the at least one command can be initiated from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally available and the permission data for called party represents that communication of the least one command from the calling party device to the called party device should be allowed, communication of the at least one command is not initiated from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally not-available, and communication of the at least one command is not initiated from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the presence data for the called party represents that the called party is generally available and the permission data for called party represents that communication of the at least one command from the calling party device to the called party device should be blocked.
 55. A method according to claim 48, wherein: serviceability of the called party is based upon device information pertained to the called party device, the device information communicated from the called party device to the server and stored on the server.
 56. A method according to claim 55, wherein: communication of the at least one command can be initiated from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the device data for the called party represents that communication of the at least one command to the called party device is possible, and communication of the at least one command is not initiated from said calling party device to said called party device in the event that the device data for the called party represents that communication of the at least one command to the called party device is not possible.
 57. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the calling party device and the called party device store a common library of media content items, the at least one command includes identification data that identifies at least one media content item stored in the common library, and the means for playing the media content on the called party device plays the at least one media content item identified by the identification data of the at least one command in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 58. A system according to claim 48, wherein: the at least one command includes identification data that identifies at least one media content item that is stored on a remote content source, the called party device includes means for communicating with the remote content source to retrieve the at least one media content item identified by the identification data, and the means for playing the media content on the called party device plays the at least one media content item retrieved from the remote content source in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 59. A method according to claim 58, wherein: said remote content source is realized by said server or interfaced thereto.
 60. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the at least one command includes at least one media content item that is played on the called party device in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 61. A method according to claim 60, wherein: the at least one command includes a first command that identifies a given media content item and information related thereto, and the called party device receives and analyzes information contained in said first command to determine if the given media content item can be received and processed by the called party device, and returns a first reply that indicates whether the at least one media content item can be received and processed by the called party device.
 62. A method according to claim 61, further comprising: in the event that said first reply indicates that the given media content item can be received and processed by the called party device, communicating from said calling party device to said called party device a second command that includes at least the given media content item.
 63. A method according to claim 62, further comprising: in the event that said first reply indicates that the given media content item cannot be received and processed by the called party device, communicating from said calling party device to said server a third command that includes at least the given multimedia announcement, wherein said server processes said third command and forwards the given multimedia announcement to said called party device in a form suitable for processing by said called party device.
 64. A method according to claim 63, wherein: in processing said third command, said server transcodes the given media content item supplied thereto by the calling party device.
 65. A method according to claim 60, wherein: in response to successful transfer of the given media content item from the calling party device to the called party device, said called party device communicates to said calling party device a fourth command that indicates successful receipt of the given multimedia announcement, said calling party device receiving said fourth command and initiating the call from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network in response to said fourth command.
 66. A method according to claim 48, wherein: initiation of the call from said calling party device to said called party device requests provisioning of resources of said communication network for the call subsequent to receiving said fourth command.
 67. A method according to claim 66, wherein: in conjunction with initiating communication of the fourth command, said called party device adapts the incoming call processing carried out by said called party device such that any incoming call originating from said calling party device will be announced by playing the at least one media content item.
 68. A method according to claim 67, wherein: the incoming call processing carried out by said called party device compares caller identifier information for each incoming call and automatically invokes an application for playing the at least one media content item in the event that the caller identifier information corresponds to an identifier assigned to said calling party device.
 69. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the media content specified by or included in the at least one command is stored in a file that is protected by a DRM mechanism for controlling access thereto.
 70. A method according to claim 69, wherein: said called party device acquires DRM license information that allows access to the file storing the media content for at least playing the media content on said called party device.
 71. A method according to claim 70, wherein: said DRM license information controls access to the file storing the media content for other functions selected from the group including: allowing the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, prohibiting the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, allowing the file to be used only for intended purposes, prohibiting the file to be used for non-intended purposes, allowing the file to be forwarded to another device, prohibiting the file to be forwarded to another device, allowing the file to played a certain number of times and then automatically deleted from the called party device, and allowing the file to played until a certain date and then automatically deleted from the called party device.
 72. A method according to claim 70, wherein: said server supplies said DRM license information to said called party device.
 73. A method according to claim 70, further comprising: supplying to the called party device first DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and responsive to a transaction invoked by the called party or the calling party for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, supplying to the called party device second DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, the second digital rights license management information permitting uses that are not allows by the first DRM information.
 74. A method according to claim 73, wherein: the transaction invoked by the called party comprises a buy-type transaction.
 75. A method according to claim 73, wherein: the transaction invoked by the calling party comprises a gift-type transaction.
 76. A method according to claim 1, wherein: said called party device announces the call made from said calling party device to said called party device by playing the media content specified by or included in the at least one command and communicates at least one interactive message between said called party device and said calling party device in conjunction with the call.
 77. A method according to claim 48, wherein: the server identifies a secondary called party device and communicates the at least one command thereto.
 78. A method according to claim 48, wherein: in the event that the called party is not serviceable at the time of call initiation by the calling party, the server notifies the called party with instructions on how to access the media content specified by or included in the at least one command.
 79. A method according to claim 78, wherein: the server stores the media content specified by or included in the at least one command and provides for access to the called party in accordance with said instructions.
 80. A method according to claim 50, wherein: the graphical user interface of at least the calling party device utilizes a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device information, presence information, and permissions and status information associated with one or more parties.
 81. A method according to claim 80, wherein: a first tier of icons visually depicts device information (e.g., compatibility, configuration, call mode [silent] and location); a second tier of icons visually depicts presence information; and a third tier of icons visually depicts permissions and status information.
 82. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: providing or interfacing to a database of information pertaining to commercial media content items, the information of the database identifying the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof); identifying territory for the called party device or for the calling party device; accessing the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and determining if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory; in the event that the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, supplying DRM license data information to the called party device or the calling party device that restricts usage of the media content.
 83. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: distributing advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items to at least one of the called-party device and the calling-party device.
 84. A method according to claim 83, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are communicated to the called-party device for presentation in a manner that accompanies playing of media content specified by or included in the at least one command.
 85. A method according to claim 83, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are selected for the calling party or the called party by referencing user profile information in the server, as well as additional reference information from third party servers, in order to identify at least one specific advertising/marketing/promotional media item to increase the applicability of the media item for the calling party or called party.
 86. A method according to claim 83, wherein: the advertisements and/or other marketing and promotional media items are communicated to the calling-party device for presentation during a ring-back period when the at least one command is being communicated to the called-party device but before playing the media content of the multimedia announcement.
 87. A method for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the method comprising: providing a server operable coupled to a calling party device operated by the calling party and a called party device operated by the called party, said server including or interfacing to at least one database for storing DRM license information; said calling party operating the calling party device to identifying the called party and to select media content for a multimedia announcement, in response to the operation of the calling party device, said calling party device initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; and said called party device receiving the at least one command and playing the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network, wherein said called party device acquires DRM license information from said server that allows access to the file storing the media content for at least playing the media content on said called party device.
 88. A method according to claim 87, wherein: said DRM license information controls access to the file storing the media content for other functions selected from the group including: allowing the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, prohibiting the file to be copied and/or saved on the called party device, allowing the file to be used only for intended purposes, prohibiting the file to be used for non-intended purposes, allowing the file to be forwarded to another device, prohibiting the file to be forwarded to another device, allowing the file to played a certain number of times and then automatically deleted from the called party device, allowing the file to played until a certain date and then automatically deleted from the called party device, and allowing the file to be played only in a specific sequence of actions by the calling party or called party, or only in a specific sequence of plays of other media content items, or only in a predetermined combination of both.
 89. A method according to claim 87, further comprising: said server supplying to the called party device first DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and responsive to a transaction invoked by the called party or the calling party for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, said server supplying to the called party device second DRM license information for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, the second digital rights license management information permitting uses that are not allows by the first DRM information.
 90. A method according to claim 89, wherein: the transaction invoked by the called party comprises a buy-type transaction.
 91. A method according to claim 89, wherein: the transaction invoked by the calling party comprises a gift-type transaction.
 92. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: in the event that the called party is does not have his or her device enabled to accept interactive multimedia announcements at the time of voice or data call initiation by the calling party, said sever notifying the called party with instructions on how to access, install and initialize on the called party device the applicable enabling software specified by or included in the at least one command. In said event a copy of the media content item embodied in the intended interactive multimedia announcement is stored or the server or on the called party device, or on both, for later retrieval and use by the calling party or called party, or both calling party and called party; and/or in the event that the called party is does not have the his or her device enabled to accept interactive multimedia announcements at the time that the calling party first installs the activates the applicable software program on his or her device, or takes action to activate/recruit at least on buddy on his or her Contact List/Phone Book to be able to accept his or her interactive multimedia announcements, said server notifies the called party with instructions on how to access, install and initialize the called party device the applicable enabling software specified by or included in the at least one command.
 93. A method according to claim 48, further comprising: presenting previews of at least one media content item from a library of media content items, and making the media content items available for download for use in interactive multimedia announcements, on the calling party device and called party device. The composition of said library of media content items may be defined by the territory or network, or both territory and network, of the calling party and called party individually [i.e., if calling party is in the USA on T-Mobile, he will see one set of media content titles (ringers). If the called party is in China on Skype, she will see another set of media content titles (ringers). There may be some overlap on what is accessible and available to both]; and/or with a graphical user interface on the called party device, the called party may view a history of which calling parties have communicated interactive multimedia announcements to his or her called party device; view a history of which media content items have been communicated to the called party device from each of the said calling parties; play a preview of a representation of any of said historical media content items (in the case of more than one media content item, the items may be displayed in the chronological order of which they were communicated to the called party); and purchase/download any of the media content items displayed as available for purchase/download in the called party's territory or network, or both territory and network; and/or with a graphical user interface on the calling party device and called party device that enables the user to view and preview a list of the content media items that exist on the device of any of the user's buddies that is enabled for interactive multimedia announcements, and to be able to purchase/download any of the media content items displayed as available for purchase/download in the called party's territory or network, or both territory and network; and/or the server includes means to (a) track instances wherein a user, by using a graphical user interface, purchases at least one media content item that was embodied in an interactive multimedia announcement or appears on a list of such items that exists on the device of any of the user's buddies, (b) report said purchases on a display accessible on the device of the purchasing party or presenting party, as applicable, and (c) issue rewards in the form of loyalty points, premium access to other device-based services, or cash credits to the account of the presenting party.
 94. A method for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, the system comprising: providing a server operably coupled to a calling party device operated by the calling party and a called party device operated by the called party, said server including or interfacing to at least one database of information pertaining to commercial media content items, the information of the database identifying the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof); operating said calling party device to identify the called party and to select media content for a multimedia announcement; in response to operation of said calling party device, initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement; wherein said server identifies the territory for the called party device or for the calling party device, accesses the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and determines if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory; and in the event that the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, said server supplies DRM license data information to the called party device or the calling party device that restricts usage of the media content or acts to present a most-alike alternative media content item that is not restricted for purchase/download in said territory; and said called party receives the at least one command and plays the media content of the multimedia announcement in conjunction with a call made from said calling party device to said called party device over said communication network.
 95. In a system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, an apparatus comprising: a server operably coupled to a calling party device operating by the calling party and a called party device operated by the called party, the serving including or interfacing to at least one database for storing presence data and permissions data for a plurality of users, wherein presence data and permissions data for the called party is specified by communication from said called party device and used to selectively initiate communication of the multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party wherein said server identifies the territory for the called party device or for the calling party device, accesses the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, and determines if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory; and
 96. In a system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, an apparatus comprising: a server operably coupled to a calling party device operating by the calling party and a called party device operated by the called party, the serving including or interfacing to at least one database of information pertaining to commercial media content items, the information of the database identifying the licensed rights and the territories associated therewith (e.g., allowed territories and/or restricted territories) for such commercial media content items (or groups thereof); said server including means for identifying the territory for the called party device or for the calling party device, accessing the database to identify restricted territories represented by the information stored in the database for the media content specified by or included in the at least one command, determining if the territory of the called party device or for the calling party device corresponds to a restricted territory, and supplying DRM license data to the called party device or the calling party device, said DRM license data based upon the determination.
 97. In a system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, a software application loaded or loadable onto a calling party device operated by the calling party, the software application including a graphical user interface utilizing a set of multi-tiered icons to communicate device information, presence information, and permissions and status information associated with one or more parties.
 98. A software application according to claim 97, wherein: a first tier of icons visually depicts device information (e.g., compatibility, configuration, call mode [silent] and location); a second tier of icons visually depicts presence information; and a third tier of icons visually depicts permissions and status information.
 99. A system or apparatus as claimed above, wherein: the multimedia announcement is presented to the called party in conjunction with interactive elements related thereto.
 100. In a system for communicating a multimedia announcement from a calling party to a called party as part of a voice call therebetween, a software application loaded or loadable onto a calling party device operated by the calling party, the software application including: means for identifying the called party; means for selecting media content for the multimedia announcement; and means for initiating communication of at least one command from said calling party device to said called party device, said at least one command specifying or including the media content of the multimedia announcement, and said at least one command comprising a command type selected from a plurality of command types (such as local-ID type, remote-URL type, peer-to-peer type). 